How to Verify Birth Certificate Online | Full Guide

As a citizen of any nation, a birth certificate is one of the important documents you should possess. In a country like Kenya, it is a fundamental identity document – it proves one’s age, nationality, and is often needed for services like getting an ID, passport, or school enrollment.

In past years, obtaining or verifying a birth certificate would require one to queue in long lines at registration offices or Huduma Centres. But recently, the Kenyan government has digitalized most of its civil services, making it possible for anyone to apply and verify birth certificates online through the national eCitizen portal.

This article will explore in detail how to verify your birth certificate online in Kenya; also, the process of application, time required, and the fees involved.

1Can I get my birth certificate online in Kenya?

2How to Verify Birth Certificate Online in Kenya

3How long does it take to verify Birth Certificate Online in Kenya?

4How much does it cost to verify a Birth Certificate Online in Kenya?

Can I get my birth certificate online in Kenya?

Yes, you can get your birth certificate online in Kenya. The Civil Registration Services in Kenya have been updated and citizens are able to request and download a birth certificate online in the eCitizen portal (account.ecitizen.go.ke). Services available in the section of the Civil Registration which includes the services of Birth Certificate applications and verification.

To use this service, you must meet the minimum requirements being up to 18 years old of age and possess an authentic Kenyan national ID number. You will enter information like your real name, date of birth, and ID number. The online system may request you to post a scanned copy of your ID and a passport photograph when applying.

The fee for an online birth certificate application is KSh 1,050. You can pay via mobile money (M-PESA) or credit/debit card on the portal. Once payment is made and the application is submitted, the Civil Registration Service processes it.

The advantage of the online route is convenience: you can do it from home, and once approved you can download a digital certificate immediately. This process costs KSh 1,050 and is handled on eCitizen.

How to Verify Birth Certificate Online in Kenya

To verify or obtain your birth certificate online, follow these steps on the eCitizen portal:

Register or log in to eCitizen: If you don’t have an eCitizen account, create one at https://account.ecitizen.go.ke. You’ll need a Kenyan ID number and phone number. If you already have an account, log in.
Go to the Civil Registration section: Once logged in, navigate to “Civil Registration Services”. Under this category, select “Birth Certificate”.
Fill in your details: Enter the required personal information – usually your full name, date of birth, ID number, place of birth, etc. Ensure that these match with those contained in your national ID.
Upload documents: The system will prompt you to post a scanned copy of your National ID (front side) and a passport-sized print. Attach these as instructed.
Make payment: Pay the KSh 1,050 application fee. You can choose M-PESA (equitypaybill or till via eCitizen) or a credit/debit card. The portal guides you through the payment.
Submit and wait for verification: After payment, eCitizen will process and verify your application. This is usually quick if all details are correct.
Download certificate: Once the verifications are done successfully, the system will allow you to download a PDF version of your birth certificate. You can then save it or print it. Alternatively, you can opt to have a hard copy mailed to you.

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How long does it take to verify Birth Certificate Online in Kenya?

The online verification via eCitizen is very fast. According to available information, the “actual verification is normally quick. Verification online using the eCitizen platform is instant”. Once you submit the application and pay, the system immediately checks your details against the civil registry database.

If everything matches, you get instant confirmation, and the certificate is issued without delay. The eCitizen returns results instantly, and even in-person checks (e.g., at Huduma Centers) take only a few minutes.

So in most cases, you can apply and receive your verified birth certificate within minutes. The only time-consuming part is uploading documents and making a payment.

However, once you have clicked submit, the eCitizen platform can either be approve it instantly or flag any issues (i. e. when the details do not correspond to the records). As such, the verification should only require a few moments.

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How much does it cost to verify a Birth Certificate Online in Kenya?

The online verification (application and issuance) fee is KSh 1,050. This is a flat fee set by the Civil Registration Services for a standard adult birth certificate. The amount is payable during the eCitizen application via mobile money or card. This fee covers the cost of processing and providing the digital certificate.

Previously, some persons who applied in person might have paid a similar fee at a Huduma Centre or registrar’s office. The digitized process aligns with that: KSh 1,050 is the official charge. There are no additional hidden costs.

If you had your application done at a Huduma you would normally pay KSh 1,000 for the certificate plus maybe a small service charge. Hence KSh 1,050 online is in line with the standard rates.

(Note: There are some special cases, such as late registration or priority service which can attract additional charges or additional steps, but the flat fee for an adult birth certificate online is 1,050 KSh.)

Also see: 15 Best Online Government Jobs in Kenya

FAQs

How to check if a birth certificate is genuine in Kenya?

Visit the Civil Registration Department

How much is an authentication certificate in Kenya?

KES 1,000 – 2,000

How long does attestation take?

hours to weeks or even months

Conclusion

Through the Kenyan eGovernment initiative, it is now easier to verify and obtain a Kenyan birth certificate. Through the eCitizen portal, one can apply anywhere to have a birth certificate and receive the certificate immediately. All you need is a valid ID and access to the internet. It is a quick process because it only takes a few minutes after you fill out the application.

The online system is convenient and quick, whether you require a copy of your own birth certificate or you are just checking the information on the certificate due to any official reason. It does not require any illegal intermediaries or additional costs to the typical 1,050 KSh. In the event that you have any problems, you may also contact the closest Huduma Centre or CRS to assist you. However, the online verification process should be fast and easy for the majority of Kenyans.