Birth Re-Registration: What It Is and How It Works in Kenya

This is the insertion of the name of a father of a child of a single mother in the birth register after birth registration had been done. 

It is mandatory for the parents of the child to apply for a birth certificate without the father’s name first before re- registration is done.

Both the mother and the father of the child must present themselves physically before the registrar for an interview and to consent that they are the parents of the said child.

There are several common reasons for needing to re-register a birth In Kenya including; 

• When parents marry after the birth of their child and wish to have the father's name added to the birth register.
• Registration by Adoptive parents seeking to include their names on the birth certificate of their adopted child. 

Eligibility for birth re-registration in Kenya includes the following scenarios:

1. If parents who are not married wish to include the father's name in the child's birth register.
2. If parents marry after the child's birth and want to add the father's name to the birth register.
3. If a person who is not the biological parent has an adoption order.

Kenya recognizes several types of birth re-registration processes, each catering to specific circumstances and registration requirements:

1. Birth Re-registration Upon Recognition

This registration service is for parents who are not married but wish to add the father's name to their child's birth register. The requirements include:

• Identification documents of both parents i.e ID Card or passport
• Birth certificate without the father's name
• A consent form for re-registration signed by both parents in front of a registrar
• Both parents must physically appear before the registrar of births

2. Birth Re-registration Upon Legitimation 

This applies to parents who marry after their child's birth and want to include the father's name in the birth register. The required documents include:

• Identification documents of both parents
• Birth certificate without the father's name
• Marriage certificate or a joint affidavit by both parents
• An application for re-registration sworn jointly by the parents

3. Birth Re-registration Upon Adoption

This process is available for individuals who have legally adopted a child and need to update the birth register accordingly. Some of the necessary documentation includes:

• Adoption order issued by a court
• Adoption certificate
• Letter from the Registrar General confirming details on the adoption certificate
• Identification documents (ID or passport) of adopting parents
• Original pre-adoption birth certificate
• Certificate declaring a child free for adoption
• Report from the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection
• Completed Form B4 (obtained online on the ecitizen portal)

For the birth re-registration process in Kenya, several documents are necessary. 

1. Both parents must provide either a marriage certificate or, if unavailable, a joint affidavit FORM LO2. 
2. A joint application for re-registration sworn by both parents FORM LO1. 
3. Original identification cards and copies are required
4. The original birth certificate that lacks the father's name and has no amendments.

Both parents must physically present themselves before the registrar of civil registrations.

Applications can be submitted either at a Huduma Centre or via the eCitizen portal, where you can complete the application process and pay for services.

Recognition and legitimation services are accessible in all sub-counties throughout Kenya. For adoption-related re-registrations, these are specifically handled at the Nairobi Civil Registration Services.

Application For Re-registration (FORM LO1)

Statutory Declaration (FORM LO2)