Kenya to Allow Online Download and Printing of Birth Certificates via eCitizen

Kenya will allow citizens to download and print birth certificates online through the eCitizen platform, the government has announced. 

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the development on Monday following a meeting at Nyayo House in Nairobi. Murkomen described the change as a significant reform in public service delivery aimed at reducing bureaucracy and improving access to essential documents. 

He said the move would enable Kenyans to obtain birth certificates without visiting civil registry offices. Previously, applicants could submit requests online but were still required to collect the documents in person from registry offices. 

The new system removes that final step, allowing users to complete the process digitally and reducing the time and cost involved. The government also said it is expanding the eCitizen platform into a single digital gateway for public services. 

As part of this plan, additional services are being integrated, and new passport application and collection centres are being introduced, with Kilifi County identified as one of the next locations. Officials say the reforms are intended to strengthen digital service delivery and improve efficiency across government departments. 

The ability to download and print birth certificates is expected to benefit users who require the documents for school admissions, employment, and official processes.

Under the previous procedure, applicants were required to provide personal details, upload supporting identification documents, and pay processing fees before being notified to collect the certificate in person. 

That final requirement is now expected to be phased out as the system moves towards full online access.