There are multiple offices throughout Kenya for people to apply for a death certificate for their loved ones, who could be either a relative or friend. Finding the closest office is ideal since the rocess sometimes takes multiple trips to the office and it being nearby is helpful.

What are the major reasons to apply for the death certificate of a
loves one?

Death certificates are mainly used to get in touch with services previously accessed in the name of the deceased individual.
It also assists the Government or authorities in making changes to processes and documents in the name of the deceased. This might be connected to transferring assets or accessing retirement benefits.
Additionally, including insurance that might have been in place for the family. It also clears the name of the people from documentation like the voters’ register and deregistration as a taxpayer.

How does one apply for a death certificate?

Initially, the process was quite tedious but has been significantly improved in the last couple of years. There are two systems through which people can apply for death certificates; through the online portal or the offline application process.

While most of the documents have to be submitted digitally when applying for a death certificate online, they need to be handed in print at the district registrars office, if done offline.

What are the requirements for the death certificate application process?

The death certificate application form, which needs the following details

• The district where the death occurred
• The burial permit number
• The exact place of death
• The name of the deceased as per their identity card
• Gender
• Date of death
• Age of deceased
• Occupation of deceased
• Address of the applicant
• The burial permit
• The National Identity Card of the deceased

The necessary fees depending on whether there are changes to be made to the death certificate or not, have to be paid. While some places provide death certificates in 24 hours, others take up to three days to disperse them. Post these details being submitted online, the website prompts users to make the processing payment and provides a receipt in return. This receipt has to be submitted at the office where the details are verified with the website and death certificate provided. Additionally, the deceased individual’s original ID card and burial permit have to be handed in.

In the case of an individual passing away in a different part of Africa or abroad, the family has to provide additional documentation, showing the transportation of the body to Kenya. Furthermore, the passport, medical history and certificate, checked and signed by a medical professional from the location where the individual passed away are needed. There might be a form to be filled out for the application of a death certificate for a person who passed away abroad.