Huduma Kenya Explains ID Registration Rules for Those Without Birth Certificates

Huduma Kenya has directed Kenyans to obtain a birth certificate before applying for a national identity card, ending the use of alternative documents for initial ID registration.

The agency issued the clarification in response to public enquiries about whether people without birth certificates could proceed with ID applications. Huduma Kenya said applicants should first apply for a birth certificate through the Civil Registrar’s Office or a Huduma Centre in their county of birth.

The directive ends a previous practice under which applicants without birth certificates could use alternative documents, including school records, baptismal cards and sworn affidavits. Such applications were subject to additional vetting before an identity card could be issued.

Applicants who do not have birth certificates must now apply for late birth registration. The process requires supporting evidence, such as school-leaving certificates, clinic cards or religious records, to verify the applicant’s identity and family details.

The State Department for Immigration and Citizenship Services charges Ksh500 for late registration, with a further Ksh200 payable when the birth certificate is issued. Applications for late registration can be made through the eCitizen platform. 

Applicants must log in, select Civil Registration Services and complete the late birth certificate application form, providing personal and family information. They must then upload scanned copies of the required supporting documents and pay the prescribed fees.

After completing the online application, applicants must submit the printed forms and original documents to a Huduma Centre or sub-county Civil Registration office for verification. The requirement makes the birth certificate the primary document for national identity card registration.