Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has praised the enactment of the Births and Deaths Registration (Amendment) Bill, describing it as a major step toward improving access to essential civil registration services.
Speaking on Thursday, Murkomen noted that bureaucratic inefficiencies and the limited number of registration centres have long hindered Kenyans from obtaining timely birth and death certificates, a challenge that has affected access to critical government services.
“Systemic challenges have significantly impeded Kenyans from timely acquisition of this essential documentation,” Murkomen said, adding that the new law directly responds to these concerns.
President William Ruto signed the bill into law today, which mandates the establishment of at least one Births and Deaths Registration Office in every sub-county.
The move is expected to bring these crucial services closer to citizens, particularly in underserved areas.
Murkomen highlighted that this reform stems from public feedback gathered during the Jukwaa la Usalama countrywide tour, where Kenyans emphasized the need for more accessible registration services.
“This is a key step toward inclusive and citizen-centred governance. We are committed to institutional reforms that ensure every Kenyan can access government services efficiently,” he said.
The amendment is expected to streamline registration processes, reduce travel and waiting times for citizens, and strengthen data collection on vital events, which is essential for planning and policy development.
By expanding service points, the government aims to enhance efficiency, reduce administrative bottlenecks, and ensure that civil documentation no longer remains a barrier to accessing education, healthcare, and other social services.
The new law marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s ongoing efforts to modernize public service delivery and promote equitable access to essential government services nationwide.