September 13, 2026
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EXPLAINER: Clarification On ID Registration Rules For Kenyans Without Birth Certificate

Huduma Kenya has clarified that one cannot be registered for an identity card without having a birth certificate.

The clarification followed a query from a Kenyan who asked whether they could register for an ID despite not having a birth certificate.

According to the agency, applicants without birth certificates must first apply for the document before proceeding with ID registration.  

“Please apply for a birth certificate first through the Civil Registrar’s Office or a Huduma Centre in the county of birth before applying for an identity card,” Huduma Kenya stated.

Previously, when one did not have a birth certificate, they could apply for an ID by providing school and religious documents as well as an affidavit, before being issued an ID.

However, the lack of a birth certificate meant that an application would go through a thorough and detailed vetting process before one was issued the card.

This has been scrapped by Huduma Kenya, which clarified that one must first apply for a birth certificate before proceeding to apply for an ID.

Effectively, affected persons need to apply for a late birth certificate, which has many requirements compared to a normal first-time birth certificate application.

Late applications will require secondary proofs, including primary or secondary school leaving certificates, clinic cards, or baptismal cards.

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According to the State Department for Immigration and Citizenship Services, late application fees are Ksh500 plus an additional fee of Ksh 200 for issuance of a certificate.

How to Apply for a Late Birth Certificate

  • To apply, log in to your eCitizen account and select the Civil Registration Services department.
  • Choose the option for the Late Birth Certificate application.
  • Fill in the required personal and family details.
  • Upload clear, scanned copies of your supporting documents.
  • Pay the late registration fee.
  • Print the application form and payment invoice.
  • Submit the printed paperwork and original documents to your local Huduma Centre or sub-county Civil Registration office for physical verification.

EXPLAINER: Clarification On ID Registration Rules For Kenyans Without Birth Certificate

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