Birth Certificate Fee: Govt Rejects Calls to Restore KSh50 Charge Despite Public Outcry

Kenyans hoping for cheaper birth certificates may have to wait longer after the government ruled out reducing the application fee from KSh200 to the previous KSh50, despite growing public concerns over the charges.

The Ministry of Interior and National Administration maintained that the revised fees will remain in place, according to a statement presented before the National Assembly by Administration and Internal Security Committee Chairperson Gabriel Tongoyo on Tuesday, November 3.

Immigration Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang defended the decision, explaining that the previous KSh50 charge had remained unchanged since 1998. He argued that considering inflation over the years, the current KSh200 fee reflects the value of the earlier amount.

The PS also pointed to charges in neighbouring countries, stating that birth certificates cost the equivalent of KSh320 in Tanzania and KSh180 in Uganda.

The increase, introduced in November 2024, also affected other registration services. Late birth registration rose from KSh350 to KSh500, while replacing a lost birth certificate increased from KSh90 to KSh1,000.

Kipsang further explained that the cost of producing more secure documents had contributed to the revised charges.

The government’s position means applicants will continue paying KSh200 for a birth certificate, with no immediate plans announced to restore the former KSh50 rate.

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