Steps to Apply for a Death Certificate in Kenya

The Department of Civil Registration Services ensures the compulsory and immediate registration of all births and deaths in Kenya, regardless of nationality.

The Civil Registration Service performs the following functions related to deaths:

• Registers all deaths occurring in the country and those of Kenyan citizens abroad.
• Issues death certificates.
• Conducts recognition and re-registration upon legitimization.
• Produces and disseminates statistics from death records.
• Maintains the safe custody of all death records.

In Kenya, a death certificate holds significant importance for various reasons. 

1. It is essential for matters of inheritance, 
2. It is required to obtain social assistance benefits that may be available to surviving family members. 
3. A death certificate is necessary for processing insurance claims and pension benefits.
4. The document also plays an important role in identifying orphans, ensuring they receive appropriate care and support. 

• Next of kin (Spouse, Dependants)
• Medical official if the death occurred in a hospital
• Estate administrators

To apply for a death certificate in Kenya, you need to provide the following documents: 

1. A scanned copy of the burial permit 
2. A scanned copy of the deceased's identification documents such as a national ID, alien ID, passport, or birth certificate. 
3. A scanned copy of the applicant's identification document, like a national ID, alien ID, passport, or refugee ID. 

You can also include a scanned copy of a police report, a letter from the chief, or a health institution report that confirms the death.

1. Online Application Procedure Using the e-Citizen portal

1. Access the official eCitizen portal.
2. Either create a new account or log in if you already have one.
3. Go to the Civil Registration Department section.
4. Choose the option to apply for a death certificate, whether within Nairobi county or outside it.
5. Accurately complete the required details in the eCitizen online form.
6. Upload all necessary documents as per instructions provided.
7. Pay the application fee using any of the available payment methods.
8. Present proof of payment (receipt or SMS) at your chosen pick-up location.
9. When collecting the certificate, ensure you come in person with a copy of the invoice and original identification documents for both yourself and the deceased.
10. You will receive notification once your certificate is ready for collection.

 After payment, present the SMS or Receipt to the Pick Up Location for the certificate to be processed.

2. Application Procedure for Deaths Occurring Outside Nairobi County

Please note that all applications and payments are made online on the eCitizen platform. For someone who has passed away outside Nairobi County, apply for a death certificate by visiting the County Commissioner's office and filling out an issuance of death certificate form. Submit a copy of the burial permit and the deceased’s identity card.

3. Application Procedure for Deaths Occurring Abroad

Contact the nearest Kenyan mission or consular service and provide the following documentation:

• A death certificate issued by the relevant authority in the country where the death occurred, accompanied by an English translation if necessary.
•  If an official death certificate is unavailable, a certificate from the medical attendant present at the time of death.

 Additional requirements include:

• If a Kenya Mission is present in that country, obtain certification or a letter from its member confirming they have verified the details of the death.
• In cases where no Kenya Mission exists, submit any other evidence required by the registrar to support your application.

Here is a detailed price breakdown of the charges applicable when applying through the eCitizen platform;

Applications should be submitted no earlier than 30 days following the date of death. All updates regarding the application status will be communicated through SMS.

When collecting the death certificate, the applicant is required to surrender the original Identification Card of the deceased.

If you need to amend a death certificate, you should visit the Civil Registration Office with the necessary documents. These include ;

1. The original death certificate, 
2. A copy of the death certificate, and 
3. A copy of your ID. 

Common amendments that might be required on a death certificate include; 

• Changes to the date of death, 
• Age at death, 
• Place of occurrence (hospital, home, etc)
• Cause of death, 
• Names, 
• Date of reporting

To complete this process, submit an application for amendment through the eCitizen portal . After filling out your application online, print the application form, invoice, and uploaded documents and submit them at your designated pick-up location for processing.

Submit the application at least 30 days after the date of death. After payment, present the SMS or eCitizen invoice, along with all required documents, to the Pick Up Location for processing.

During collection, the applicant must surrender the original Identification Card of the deceased.

All updates will be communicated via SMS. You will receive an SMS alert when the certificate is ready for collection.

The Department of Civil Registration Services