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How to change your child’s name on birth certificate
13th April, 2026 03:09 PM
Changing your child’s name on a birth certificate in Kenya is a legal process handled through the Department of Civil Registration and accessible via Huduma Centres.
Typically, the process involves re-registering the birth, particularly in cases where parents marry after the child’s birth.
According to Huduma Kenya, the service allows parents to update a child’s birth details by inserting the father’s name in the register of birth.
“This is a service provided to parents who marry after the birth of their child, and they want the name of the father inserted in the register of birth,” Huduma Kenya’s guideline reads.
Huduma Kenya further explains that the service is strictly guided and must be done jointly by both parents.
This requirement ensures that both parents consent to the changes being made to the child’s legal identity.
“To do this, the both parents need to fill application for a re-registration form and sworn jointly by them. Both parents must be physically present when applying for re-registration”, Huduma Kenya states.
Who can apply
The service applies to parents who marry after their child is born, those seeking to add the father’s name to the birth register, and families who need to correct or update a child’s official birth details.
Requirements
According to Huduma Kenya, applicants must provide the original birth certificate, national ID cards or passports, a marriage certificate or sworn affidavit, and a completed re-registration application form signed by both parents.
Additionally, both parents are also required to appear in person during the application process.
“Parents’ identification cards/ entry permit/ passport, birth certificates without the father’s name and, marriage certificate/ joint affidavit by both parents (LO2),” Huduma Kenya’s guideline reads.
How the process works
The process begins with a visit to a Huduma Kenya Centre or Civil Registration office, where parents submit the application for re-registration alongside the required supporting documents.
After verification, the application is processed upon payment of the required fee.
According to Huduma Kenya, birth certificate amendments to either parent’s or child’s names cost Ksh100, while a new birth certificate with amendments to the father’s name also costs Ksh 100.
The service is usually completed within 10 days, plus booking an appointment, after which the updated birth certificate is issued.
“Cost: Birth certificate with amendments on either parents or child’s names- Ksh 100. New birth certificate with amendments on the fathers names- Ksh 100,” Huduma Kenya added.
Timelines: 10 days.”
A birth certificate is a key legal document in Kenya, required for school registration, national ID applications, passports, and access to government services.
Ensuring the document reflects the correct parental and identity details helps avoid legal and administrative complications later in life.
