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Huduma Kenya explains how to correct father’s name on children’s birth certificates
11th August, 2026 07:25 PM
Parents in Kenya whose children were registered using their grandfather’s name instead of their father’s have been given guidance on how they can seek to correct the details on the children’s birth certificates.
Huduma Kenya, on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, while responding to a parent who asked whether it was possible to amend the names of her two sons after they were registered using their grandfather’s name instead of their father’s, said the amendment process would depend on the details currently reflected on the children’s birth certificates.
The agency confirmed that it is possible to apply for an amendment but said the procedure will depend on how the children’s names and parental details are currently captured on their birth certificates.
“It is possible to apply for an amendment of the children’s names where they were registered using their grandfather’s name instead of their father’s name,” Huduma Kenya said.
“The amendment process will depend on how the names and parental details are currently reflected on the birth certificates.”
How to amend
According to Huduma Kenya, parents seeking to amend the details should present copies of the children’s birth certificates for review.
The agency said the information on the certificates would be assessed to determine the appropriate amendment process and the supporting documents required.
” We would need to review the birth certificates to establish the appropriate procedure and the supporting documents required,” Huduma Kenya added.
“Kindly provide copies of the two children’s birth certificates, and we will advise you on the correct amendment process, the required documentation, and the applicable requirements.”
Changing child’s name
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.
“To do this, both parents need to fill out an application for a re-registration form and swear it jointly by them. Both parents must be physically present when applying for re-registration.”
