Residents of Kuresoi in Nakuru County have received relief with the opening of a new births and deaths registration office by the government. Authorities encouraged residents to utilize the new facility to avoid incurring higher fees for late applications of essential documents.
The newly established Civil Registration Services office in Kuresoi town is the seventh of its kind in Nakuru County. Immigration PS Julius Bitok noted that the office aims to improve the registration of births and deaths in the county, which currently stands at 85% and 54% respectively.
He added that the office will provide same-day service, saving residents both time and money previously spent traveling long distances to obtain birth and death certificates.
“Some of you have told us that you have been forced to have fewer children than you would have preferred due to difficulties in obtaining birth certificates for your children. With this new office, you have a reason to reconsider your decision. You will no longer have to travel to Molo, Nakuru or even Bomet,” he said.
PS Bitok further explained that the registration fee for births and deaths occurring within six months of the application date is Sh200, while the cost increases to Sh500 for late registrations.
He also announced the government’s plan to open 100 additional registration offices across the country to improve access to these services and address the growing demand for birth and death certificates.
Bitok highlighted the advantages of birth registration, including access to education, the issuance of identification documents, and citizenship determination. He noted that birth registration data is crucial for government planning and resource allocation.
Additionally, he emphasized that death registration supports family and corporate succession and provides more accurate demographic data, which can inform policies on health, sanitation, nutrition, and other lifestyle interventions.
“A birth certificate is a critical identity document. Without it, a child cannot access government services such as enrollment in school. Without it, it means the government does not recognise you and therefore you have not been factored in CDF and other public funds allocations,” Bitok said.
PS Bitok noted that while birth and death registration is mandatory in Kenya, the national averages are 76% for births and 45% for deaths, with some counties reporting figures as low as 30%. He praised effective birth registration as crucial for the successful implementation of the Maisha Namba and Maisha cards.
The PS explained that the number on the birth certificate will be a permanent identifier, transitioning to the ID number on the Maisha card. This number will also serve as a registration number for accessing government services, including health and education.
Bitok encouraged residents to apply for the Maisha Card and advised those who have already applied to collect their cards from registration stations promptly. He emphasized that the card’s advanced features facilitate easier access to government services.
Kuresoi South MP Joseph Tonui acknowledged that the new registration office will significantly benefit residents who previously struggled to obtain birth and death certificates. Present at the event were Nakuru County Woman Representative Liz Chelule, Kuresoi North MP Alfred Mutai, and various local leaders.
