Kenyan Govt Urges Diaspora to Register Birth Certificates for Children Born Overseas

The Kenyan Ministry of Interior on Sunday issued a directive urging Kenyan citizens residing abroad to register birth certificates for their children born outside the country.

This initiative aims to simplify documentation processes and guarantee access to essential services and rights for these children. Obtaining a birth certificate holds significant weight for several reasons. Firstly, it serves as the foundation for acquiring other crucial documents and government services. Without a birth certificate, a child may face difficulties obtaining a passport, national identity card, or access to vital health and pension benefits. Essentially, the birth certificate acts as proof of identity and Kenyan citizenship, paving the way for acquiring other necessary documentation.

Secondly, securing a birth certificate opens doors for potential dual citizenship opportunities. Kenyan children born abroad can leverage this document to apply for Kenyan citizenship if they desire. This allows them to maintain strong ties with Kenya. The Ministry of Interior further emphasizes the importance of birth certificate registration in safeguarding inheritance and property rights within Kenya. Without proper documentation, children could be inadvertently locked out of their rightful claims. Ensuring they possess the necessary paperwork is paramount in protecting their future interests.

The Ministry of Interior has outlined the needed documents for the registration process. Parents must submit the child's foreign birth certificate, or in its absence, a birth certificate issued by the attending doctor, midwife, or other relevant person. Additionally, both parents' current Kenyan passports, birth certificates, and second-generation ID cards (if applicable) are necessary. If one parent is not Kenyan, a certified or notarized copy of their foreign passport and birth certificate is required. Married parents must also provide their marriage certificate.

The Ministry charges a processing fee of Sh19,500 (approximately USD 150) for foreign registration of birth at embassies abroad. Payment must be made via money order or cashier's check payable to the Embassy of The Republic of Kenya. Finally, applicants must include a self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage for express, certified, or priority mail with delivery confirmation. Regular mail and metered stamps are not accepted.

In a separate but related development, Kenyan Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on May 16th introduced a mandatory Personal Identification Number (PIN). This unique PIN will be assigned during birth registration for all Kenyan citizens, both domestically and internationally born. The PIN will also be used in the death registration process.