In Kenya, timely birth registration is essential as it legally establishes a child’s identity, enables access to education and other government services, and ensures they are recognized under the law for protection and citizenship rights.
Ideally, birth registration should occur immediately after birth and be finalized within the first six months. The process begins with issuing a birth notification form, which is provided at the hospital where the child is born or at the chief’s office for home births.
However, there are instances when late registration becomes unavoidable, such as in the case of single mothers who may face challenges like lack of support, or logistical difficulties such as living in remote areas with limited access to registration services, which can delay the birth registration process.
It is important to note that late registration is highly discouraged, but there are specific circumstances under which it may be allowed, such as when single mothers face challenges like missed registration opportunities due to personal circumstances, or other unforeseen reasons that prevent timely registration of their newborns.
To register, the following requirements apply:
1. You must be a single mother of newly born baby.
2. You are required to fill and submit registrations form in person at a Civil Registration Department offices near you.
3. You will be vetted to determine the reason for late registration. A valid reason for the delay in registering the birth must be provided. This could include circumstances such as the mother being unaware of the registration process, logistical challenges, or being incapacitated due to complications from childbirth, among other valid reasons.
4. The mother or guardian must provide supporting documents to justify the late registration, such as:
• Clinic/ Antenatal card
• Religious certificate
• Mother’s Identity Card
• Tangible evidence that the parent has never been married (affidavit/letter from chief)
• School leaving certificates/ letter from school / Identity cards for adult applicants (over 18 years)
• Any other document as may be requested by the registrar.
5. You will be required to pay Ksh 90 or Ksh 130 (Depends on assessment of how long registration delayed)
The registration takes 10 days to be processed.
It is essential to consult the relevant authorities such as Huduma Center pr the Department of Civil Registration if the late registration process is complicated or if there are disputes involved.
