Mbale: Residents of Vihiga County have been encouraged to process their birth and death certificates promptly to prevent last-minute rushes for these essential documents when the need arises. Vihiga County Civil Registrar Beatrice Gathumbi advised residents to apply early to facilitate the smooth processing of related requirements in government services.
According to Kenya News Agency, Gathumbi revealed that the county has issued at least 70 percent of birth certificates and 80 percent of death certificate applications by this month of 2026. She assured that any pending documents would be released at the earliest opportunity. During a live interview with Vihiga FM radio station in Mbale town, the registrar emphasized the importance of acquiring these documents at the onset of a birth or death of a relative.
Gathumbi explained the process, stating that the issuance of burial permits secures permission to inter a deceased person and culminates in the processing of a death certificate. A birth notification, issued within one day to six months after a child is born, facilitates the processing of a birth certificate. She further clarified that birth certificates confirm a person’s existence, detailing the year of birth, name of parents, place of birth, and actual age.
The registrar insisted that only biological parents should be included in the birth certificates of their children, and records cannot be duplicated. She noted that in remote areas, birth certificates are vital to determining whether children have attained the right age to join school, as the government requires enrollment at seven years old.
Gathumbi highlighted the necessity of birth certificates in accessing medical care, as parents need them to add their children as beneficiaries under the Social Health Authority (SHA) system. She also mentioned that birth certificates are required for registering legal marriages to prevent underage marriages.
During the radio engagement, Bonventure Akwana, Civil Registrar of Tiriki East Sub County, emphasized the importance of maintaining accurate birth and death records for government strategizing, planning, and service delivery. Death certificates, he noted, benefit the deceased’s dependents for land succession, student loan applications, and proving the existence of the deceased.
Akwana warned of the consequences of late birth registration, such as higher charges and delays in school enrollment due to the lack of a birth certificate. He explained the responsibilities of hospitals and parents in registering births and the procedures for late registrations.
Gathumbi added that parents have a two-year window to change their children’s names if necessary, requiring parental consent. She acknowledged the challenges of reaching desired registration percentages in remote areas and outlined ongoing efforts to sensitize the public through local National Government Administrative Officers and school principals.
The registrar concluded by highlighting their commitment to educating residents on the importance of timely birth and death registration through public barazas and school initiatives.
