Kenya launches digital birth registration to assist rural families

The Kenyan government is introducing a digital birth registration system to replace a manual process that requires parents to travel long distances to registration centers.

The new system assigns every child a unique personal identifier from birth. This change aims to help low-income and rural populations who currently face high fees and travel costs. The government plans to scrap birth certificate fees entirely and allow parents to download and print paper certificates as needed.

The service will integrate with 7,500 public hospitals, while the Social Health Authority will bring private hospitals into the network. Accurate registration provides children with their first legal proof of identity, age, and citizenship, which is necessary for school enrollment and healthcare. The government also uses this data to plan and fund public infrastructure like schools and clinics. However, many families in remote areas lack smartphones and internet access, so they will need assistance to use the online portals.

The government must also ensure the safety of personal data against cyber threats through strict privacy laws.