The government has announced immediate changes to the issuance of birth certificates, with Kenyans now able to download and print the critical document online without visiting physical offices.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the developments on Monday, June 22, stating that Kenyans can now access the document digitally and print it from the comfort of their homes. This eliminates the need to visit Huduma centres or other civil registry officers to obtain the physical copy.
The announcement follows a high-level consultative meeting held at Nyayo House, Nairobi, between the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services and senior government officials, where progress on service delivery reforms was reviewed.
According to Murkomen, the new system is part of broader efforts to streamline access to civil registration documents and reduce the time, cost, and bureaucracy traditionally associated with obtaining them.
Speaking during an empowerment event at Ngererit Primary School grounds in Konoin Sub-County, Bomet, the CS emphasised that this is a significant step towards improving accessibility for all Kenyans.
"Kenyans can now download and print birth certificates online, a significant step towards improving accessibility and reducing the time required to obtain essential documents," Murkomen stated.
Previously, applications for birth certificates were the only service available online through the eCitizen portal, but applicants were still required to visit civil registry offices to collect the actual document. This new development removes that final hurdle, making the process truly seamless.
Although the CS did not provide detailed technical instructions on how to obtain the document online and print it, the announcement means that as long as you have internet access and have already applied for the document, you can now download it directly and have it ready at your convenience.
At the same time, Murkomen announced that the government is pushing to expand the e-Citizen platform into a unified digital gateway for public services, reducing reliance on manual processes across departments. This is part of a larger vision to bring all government services under one digital roof.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to decentralise key services, including plans to expand passport application and collection centres to additional counties. Kilifi County is expected to be among the next beneficiaries of this expansion.
"Among the key milestones is the continued decentralisation of passport issuance services, with plans underway to expand physical passport application and collection centres to Kilifi County, in addition to the counties already served," he added.
The latest developments are part of broader reforms under the public service modernisation agenda, which seeks to digitise government processes, reduce paperwork, and improve access to essential documents for millions of Kenyans.
For those looking to apply for a birth certificate online, the process remains straightforward. Simply log in to your eCitizen account, select the service option labelled "Application," and follow the prompts. With the new changes, you can now complete the entire process from application to printing without stepping foot in a government office.
This move is expected to save Kenyans valuable time and resources, especially those in remote areas who previously had to travel long distances to access civil registration services. As the government continues to modernise public service delivery, more such digital solutions are expected in the coming months.
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