The government is planning a major change that could save thousands of Kenyans money and time.
Soon, you might not pay to get birth or death certificates.
That would remove a huge barrier for many families across the country.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen revealed this plan on January 28, 2026 during an event in Kirinyaga County. He said the proposal to scrap application fees for birth certificates is being finalized and President William Ruto will announce it once consultations finish.
Right now, many Kenyans struggle to get vital documents because of long distances to registration offices and the costs involved. Murkomen pointed to the success of the earlier fee waiver for national ID cards, which dramatically increased uptake.
As part of the plan, the government will decentralize civil registration services. That means people can apply for birth and death certificates at Constituency ID registration centres, so they won’t have to travel far.
This move could especially help rural families, young parents, school‑going children, and seniors who often face barriers in accessing basic civil documentation. It mirrors efforts to extend services at Huduma Centres, where processed IDs, birth certificates and driving licenses are now easier to collect and service hours have been extended to serve more people.
If you or your family need birth or death certificates, keep your documents ready and watch for the official announcement on fee waivers. Once implemented, this could make accessing these vital documents free and closer to your home.
By Nairobinews