Murkomen: Kenyans can now download and print birth certificates online

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced that Kenyans can now download and print birth certificates online in a move expected to reduce the need for physical visits to Huduma Centres and civil registration offices.

Murkomen said the development is part of ongoing reforms aimed at improving access to government services through digital platforms and reducing the time citizens spend seeking essential documents.

The CS spoke after holding a consultative meeting with the leadership of the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, led by Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang, at Nyayo House in Nairobi.

“In response to issues raised during the Jukwaa la Usalama engagements, 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 said.

Birth certificates are among the most important civil registration documents in Kenya, serving as proof of identity and citizenship.

They are required for school registration, national examinations, acquisition of national identity cards, passport applications and access to various government services.

Previously, many Kenyans seeking birth certificates had to visit Huduma Centres, civil registration offices or county registries to process applications, make payments or collect documents.

The process often involved travelling long distances and enduring lengthy queues, particularly in major urban centres. 

The Civil Registration Services Department has in recent years digitised several services through the eCitizen platform, allowing citizens to submit applications and make payments online.

However, many applicants still had to visit government offices at different stages of the process, including document collection.

Murkomen said the latest development is part of broader efforts to strengthen eCitizen services and make government services more efficient and responsive to citizens' needs.

The meeting reviewed progress made on key deliverables agreed upon during previous engagements, with the CS saying the department had registered significant achievements in service delivery.

Among the milestones highlighted was the continued decentralisation of passport services.

Murkomen said plans are underway to expand passport application and collection centres to Kilifi County, adding to the counties already offering the service.

“The Department has recorded notable achievements in enhancing service delivery. 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,” he said.

The CS also said the department is strengthening consular services to better support Kenyans living and working abroad.

Further reforms are focused on improving digital service delivery through eCitizen, streamlining access to government services and enhancing efficiency across public institutions.

“As we begin the new financial year, we remain committed to supporting reforms and innovations that enhance service delivery, improve citizen experience, and ensure government services are accessible, efficient and responsive to the needs of all Kenyans,” Murkomen said.