How to correct or change details on a Kenyan Birth Certificate

A birth certificate is one of the most important identification documents in Kenya. It is required when applying for a national ID, passport and school admission. However, many Kenyans later realize that the information on their birth certificate contains mistakes from misspelled names to incorrect dates of birth.

To address this, Kenya’s Civil Registration Services has made it easier for citizens to amend or update details on their birth certificates through clear and structured procedures.

Types of Changes Allowed

The law separates corrections into two categories: minor adjustments and major changes.

Minor corrections usually involve small errors such as spelling mistakes, wrong dates, or inaccurate parental information. These are often errors made during the initial registration process.

Major changes, on the other hand, involve formal alterations such as legally changing a name.

How to Make Minor Corrections

If the mistake is minor, the process is relatively simple and can be done at Huduma Centres or online through the eCitizen platform.

What you will need:

• The original birth certificate
• A valid ID (either your own or your parents for minors)
• Supporting documents such as school certificates, Muslim Birth Cards or baptismal card, or a letter from the area chief confirming identity

The process:

1. Visit a Huduma Centre or log in to your eCitizen account.
2. Fill in the birth certificate amendment form, clearly stating the correction required.
3. Attach the necessary supporting documents.
4. Pay the required fee, usually around Ksh 1,000.
5. Wait for processing, which typically takes about 10 working days.

Once approved, a new corrected birth certificate will be issued.

Procedure for Major Changes

For significant changes like adopting a new name, the process is more formal. It requires a legal declaration known as a Deed Poll.

Here is how it works:

• Engage a lawyer to prepare a Deed Poll document.
• Submit the document to the Registrar of Documents for official registration.
• Pay the applicable registration fees.
• Wait for the name change to be published in the Kenya Gazette.
• After publication, apply to the Registrar of Births for a new birth certificate reflecting the updated name.

The Gazette notice serves as the official confirmation of the name change.

Applying for a Birth Certificate as an Adult

Adults who never obtained a birth certificate can still apply. Applications can be made at Huduma Centres, District Civil Registration offices, or through the local administration.

Applicants will be required to provide:

• A National ID
• Parents’ identification documents (if available)
• School leaving certificate
• Baptismal card or Muslim Birth card
• An identification report from the National Registration Bureau if parental IDs are unavailable

Where to Access the Service

Birth registration and amendments can be done through:

• The eCitizen online portal
• Huduma Centres across the country
• District Civil Registration Offices

When applying online, it is important to carefully choose your preferred collection center to avoid unnecessary delays.

Ensuring that your birth certificate details are accurate as this can save you from future inconveniences, especially when applying for other official documents.