Kenya Plans Birth, Death Registration Offices in All 290 Constituencies

A legislative initiative aimed at establishing birth and death registration offices across all constituencies in Kenya is making significant progress in Parliament.

The Births and Deaths Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced by Gilgil Member of Parliament Martha Wangari, has received endorsement from the Committee on Administration and Internal Security, clearing its path to the Second Reading stage. The proposed legislation seeks to modify the existing Births and Death Registration Act (Cap 149) by requiring the establishment of registration offices in each of Kenya's 290 constituencies. This comprehensive reform addresses a critical gap in service delivery, as the current system operates with only 143 registration officers nationwide, creating substantial barriers for citizens seeking vital documentation.

"Our goal is to enhance accessibility to identity documentation and related services," explains Wangari, addressing the pressing need for reform.

The initiative aligns with Article 6(3) of the Constitution, which, according to the Law Society of Kenya, mandates state organs to ensure equitable access to services throughout the country. Under the proposed amendment to section 5 of the Act, the relevant Cabinet Secretary would be empowered to designate registration areas within each constituency. The reform carries broader implications for national development and governance. Enhanced access to registration services would particularly benefit rural and marginalized communities, where obtaining birth and death certificates has historically been challenging.

These documents are fundamental for accessing essential services, including education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Furthermore, the expansion of registration offices is expected to strengthen data collection capabilities, providing more accurate and comprehensive records of births and deaths across the nation. This improved data infrastructure would enable more informed policy-making and resource allocation decisions. Meanwhile, the Bill progresses through Parliament under the oversight of Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma's committee, it represents a significant step toward modernizing Kenya's public administration system.