Navigating the bureaucratic landscape of obtaining a birth certificate for a Kenyan child born abroad can be a daunting task for many parents.
The importance of a birth certificate cannot be overstated; it serves as a vital document for identity verification, access to education and eligibility for citizenship rights.
For Kenyan citizens living outside the country, understanding the specific requirements and processes involved in securing this document is essential.
In this article, WoK will guide you through the necessary steps, documentation and tips to ensure a smooth application process.
Required documents
1. A birth notification from the facility in which the child was born or a foreign birth certificate
2. A copy of the child’s foreign passport (if any)
3. Two copies of current Kenyan passports, their birth certificates and national IDs if both parents are Kenyans. If one parent is a non-Kenyan, a copy of a foreign passport and a birth certificate should be attached
3. Two copies of Kenyan passports of the parent (s) valid at the time of the child’s birth should be provided for verification
4. Two copies of the parent’s marriage certificate if legally married
How to obtain a birth certificate for a Kenyan child born abroad
Follow the steps below while seeking to obtain a birth certificate for a Kenyan child born abroad;
Step 1: Download, print, and duly fill out FORM BDA 1 with the full name of the child, name of the father and mother, birthplace details, and the resident location of the mother in Kenya.
Step 2: Attach all the required documentary evidence in proof of birth.
Step 3: Pay the birth certificate processing fee which varies among Kenya’s diplomatic missions. This fee is only payable to Kenyan embassies and high commissions.
Step 4: Gather all the documents and send them to the Kenyan embassy or high commission using a self-addressed stamped envelope printed on it with the correct postal address, telephone number and email for return and adequate postage attached to it.
Inside the envelope should be a filled and signed FORM BDA 1, copies of identification documents, and a receipt confirming the payment of the birth application processing cost.
Dispatch the documents to the diplomatic mission in the foreign country, which should be listed in the destination address.
