Govt launches online birth certificate downloads for Kenyans through e-Citizen
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, June 22, 2026The government has revealed significant progress in the digitisation of public services, such as the new system that enables Kenyans to download and print birth certificates online as a result of concerns and recommendations raised at Jukwaa la Usalama public engagement forums.
In a statement on his X handle on Monday, June 22, 2026, after a strategic consultative meeting with the leadership of the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, led by Principal Secretary Dr Belio Kipsang, together with Heads of Directorates at Nyayo House in Nairobi, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, said that the step represents a major stride towards increasing access to key government services by making it easier and more efficient for individuals to get access to key documents.
Murkomen noted that the citizens will be able to use the service more efficiently without having to visit governmental offices again and again, as the birth certificates will be available online.
“In response to issues raised during the Jukwaa la Usalama engagements, Kenyans can now download and print birth certificates online, a significant step towards improving accessibility and reducing the time required to obtain essential documents,” Murkomen’s statement read in part.
The CS has indicated that the reforms are part of larger initiatives to advance service delivery via digital channels. The government has been steadily expanding the services provided on the e-Citizen platform, making it easier to access various government services and making them more efficient, transparent and convenient for the users.
According to the CS, the improvements have been put in place to improve the citizen experience and hence ensure that all Kenyans have access to government services, irrespective of their location.
Government commits to enhancing consular services
Murkomen has noted that the ministry is also taking steps to beef up and enhance the consular services to cater to the needs of Kenyans working and residing in foreign countries.
The programme aims at enhancing the government’s ability to respond to the needs of Kenyans in the diaspora by providing quick and efficient access to government services and assistance to Kenyans in the diaspora through Kenya’s diplomatic missions.
With the start of the new financial year, the government has reiterated its pledge to promote reforms and innovations for improved service delivery in all sectors. The emphasis is on using technology to ensure greater availability, efficiency, responsiveness and accessibility of government services and on fostering a people-centred approach to public service, officials say.
The advancements, the CS has noted, reflect the government’s commitment to implementing digital transformation in public administration, aiming to enhance citizen satisfaction, provide timely, reliable, and user-friendly services, and streamline administration.