How to Get a Birth Certificate for Your Child Born Abroad in Kenya

If you're a Kenyan parent of a child born overseas, you might wonder how to get your little one a Kenyan birth certificate. The good news is that the Government of Kenya has made the process more accessible than ever. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the steps to obtain a birth certificate for your child born abroad in Kenya. Let's get started!

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Step 1: Create an Account with the Government of Kenya Single Sign-On Portal

The first step is creating a log-in account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign On portal. This will enable you to access the eFNS (eFNS is an abbreviation for e-Foreign Nationals Services) portal, where you can apply for your child's birth certificate.

Step 2: Apply for the Birth Certificate

Once you've logged in to the eFNS portal, select the "Apply now" link. This will take you to the application page, where you can submit all the information for the birth certificate.

Step 3: Submit the Application and Make Payment

After completing the application, you'll need to submit it online. Once your application is processed, an invoice will be generated. You can view and make the payment by clicking "Dashboard" and then selecting the "Payments" tab. If you encounter any issues with online payment, don't worry. You can also print the application form and present it with all the required documents at the Immigration Counter at Nyayo House, Nairobi, for payments and processing.

Step 4: Stay Informed About Your Application

You'll receive automatic notifications via email and on your online account about the progress of your application. This way, you can stay informed and track the status of your child's birth certificate application.

Requirements for Birth Certificate Application

To ensure a smooth application process, make sure you have all the required documents and information ready:

1. A printed online application form 11 (Make sure to print the form after completing your application).
2. Two passport-size photographs of your child.
3. A copy of the child's birth certificate or local adoption certificate.
4. Copies of both parents' Kenyan passports and Certificates of Registration.
5. A copy of the child's dependant's pass.
6. Copies of both parents' identity cards.
7. A copy of the applicant's passport.
8. Certificate of good conduct for children aged 18 years and above.
9. A copy of the Police Clearance Certificate.
10. A copy of the checklist (available for download on the relevant portal).

Additional Conditions for Birth Registration Outside Kenya

If your child was born outside Kenya, there are specific conditions to meet:

1. Any person knowing the birth can apply for registration.
2. Documentary evidence of the birth must be produced. This can be a birth certificate issued by the appropriate authority in the country abroad, with an English translation if not in English. If no certificates are issued in that country, a certificate of birth given by the attending doctor, midwife, or other relevant person is acceptable.
3. Suppose you cannot produce satisfactory documentary evidence. In that case, you can still complete the application and forward it to the Registrar, who will guide you on alternative evidence that may be accepted.

Applying for a Birth Certificate – Step by Step

Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for a birth certificate for your child born abroad:

Step 1: Download and Fill Out Form BDA 1

Begin by downloading and printing FORM BDA 1 – APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF BIRTH OF A CITIZEN OF KENYA OCCURRING ABROAD. Fill out the form with accurate details, including the child's full name, parents' names, birthplace, and the mother's residence in Kenya.

Step 2: Gather Required Documentary Evidence

Next, gather all the necessary documentary evidence to support the birth registration:

1. If available, a birth notification from the facility where the child was born or a foreign birth certificate.
2. A copy of the child's foreign passport, if applicable.
3. For Kenyan parents, two copies of both parents' current Kenyan passports, birth certificates, and national IDs must be submitted. If one parent is non-Kenyan, provide a copy of their foreign passport and birth certificate.
4. Two copies of the parents' Kenyan passports, valid at the time of the child's birth, should also be included for verification.
5. In case of legal marriage between the parents, provide two copies of their marriage certificate.

Step 3: Pay the Processing Fee

The birth certificate processing fee varies depending on the location of Kenya's diplomatic mission in the foreign country. For instance, it costs $50 in the USA, €10 in Germany, £5 in the United Kingdom, R150 in South Africa, ¥3,875 in Japan, and 170 Swedish krona in Sweden.

Pay through a money order or cashier's check payable to the respective Kenyan embassy or high commission. Some missions also accept credit or debit card payments at the counter.

Step 4: Send Your Application and Documents

Prepare a self-addressed stamped envelope with the correct postal address, telephone number, email for return, and adequate postage. Inside the envelope, place the filled and signed FORM BDA 1, copies of identification documents, and the receipt confirming the payment of the birth application processing cost.

Mail the documents to the relevant Kenyan embassy or high commission in the foreign country. The specific addresses for Kenya's diplomatic missions in the USA, Germany, the UK, South Africa, Japan, and Sweden can be found on their websites.

Step 5: Wait for the Processing

Once you've submitted all the necessary documents, wait for the processing to be completed. It usually takes four to six months for the birth certificate to be processed and mailed for collection.

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Conclusion

Obtaining a birth certificate for your child born abroad in Kenya is essential for establishing their identity, citizenship status, and parentage. With the streamlined process and clear guidelines provided by the Government of Kenya, you can ensure that your child's birth is timely recorded. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently apply for your child's birth certificate and obtain this vital document hassle-free.

Remember, having your child's birth certificate opens doors to various benefits, including applying for national identity cards, enrolling in school, obtaining passports, driving licenses, and more. It also helps the government plan policy and allocates resources for development sectors.

If you're a Kenyan parent with a child born outside the country, don't delay – follow the steps provided and get your child's birth certificate today!

FAQs

Q: Can I apply for my child's birth certificate if I am a Kenyan citizen and my child was born outside the country?

A: Yes, as a Kenyan citizen, you can apply for your child's birth certificate even if they were born abroad. Follow the steps outlined in the guide to complete the application.

Q: What documents do I need to provide as proof of my child's birth?

A: You will need a birth notification from the facility where the child was born or a foreign birth certificate (if available). Additionally, you'll require copies of the child's foreign passport (

Q: Can I apply for my child's birth certificate if I am not physically present in Kenya?

A: Yes, as long as you have the required documents and follow the application process outlined in the guide, you can apply for your child's birth certificate anywhere in the world.

Q: How long does it take to receive the birth certificate after applying?

A: The processing time for a birth certificate application is usually four to six months. However, this may vary depending on the workload of the relevant Kenyan embassy or high commission.

Q: Can I apply for my child's birth certificate if one of the parents is a non-Kenyan citizen?

A: Even if one of the parents is not a Kenyan citizen, you can still apply for your child's birth certificate. Ensure to provide the necessary documents for both parents as outlined in the requirements section.

Q: Can you expedite the processing of the birth certificate application?

A: There has yet to be an official provision for expedited processing of birth certificate applications. The processing time remains consistent for all applicants.

Q: Can I apply for a Kenyan birth certificate if my child was born in a country without certificates?

A: Yes, in such cases, you can provide a birth certificate given by the attending doctor, midwife, or another relevant person as acceptable documentary evidence.

Q: Are there any exceptions to the birth certificate application process for exceptional circumstances?

A: The application process is generally the same for all eligible applicants. However, it's best to contact the relevant Kenyan embassy or high commission for guidance if you face any exceptional circumstances.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on the guidelines and requirements available at the time of writing. Application processes and fees may change over time, so checking with the respective Kenyan embassy or high commission for the most up-to-date information is advisable. The author is not a legal expert or government representative, and this article should not be considered official legal advice.