Kenya eCitizen Portal Guide 2026

The eCitizen portal (ecitizen.go.ke) is Kenya government single online platform for applying for government services including passports, birth certificates, business registration, and more.

Access eCitizen

Visit www.ecitizen.go.ke to create an account or log in. You need a valid email address and Kenyan ID number to register.

How to Create an eCitizen Account

  1. Visit ecitizen.go.ke

    Click "Create Account" or "Register" on the homepage.

  2. Choose Account Type

    Select "Kenyan Citizen" (for ID holders), "Foreign Resident" (for foreigners with work/residence permits), or "Visitor" (for tourist services).

  3. Enter Your Details

    Provide your national ID number (or passport number for foreigners), full name, email address, and phone number.

  4. Verify Your Email

    Click the verification link sent to your email.

  5. Set Up Your Password

    Create a strong password. Enable two-factor authentication for security.

Services Available on eCitizen

Service Department Fee (KES) Processing Time
ePassport Application Immigration KSH 4,550 10-14 working days
Birth Certificate Civil Registration KSH 50 (late: KSH 500) 7-14 working days
Good Conduct Certificate CID/DCI KSH 1,050 14-21 working days
Business Name Registration BRS KSH 950 3-7 working days
Company Registration BRS KSH 10,650+ 3-14 working days
Driving Licence (Smart) NTSA KSH 3,050 7-14 working days
Marriage Certificate Civil Registration KSH 900 21 days (notice period)
Land Search Lands Ministry KSH 550 Instant to 3 days
KRA PIN Registration KRA (iTax link) Free Instant
Single Business Permit County Government Varies by county 3-7 working days

How to Apply for an ePassport via eCitizen

  1. Log in to your eCitizen account
  2. Select "Department of Immigration Services"
  3. Choose "Passport Application" (new or renewal)
  4. Fill in the application form with personal details
  5. Upload passport-sized photo (white background, 600x600px minimum)
  6. Pay the fee via M-Pesa, card, or bank transfer
  7. Print the generated receipt and application summary
  8. Book a biometrics appointment at your nearest immigration office or embassy
  9. Attend biometrics capture with original documents
  10. Track your application status on eCitizen

Kenyans abroad: Start the application on eCitizen, then complete biometrics at your nearest Kenya embassy. See our ePassport guide for full details.

Payment Methods

M-Pesa (Paybill)

  • Paybill Number: 222222
  • Account Number: Your application reference
  • Instant confirmation

Other Methods

  • Visa/Mastercard debit or credit card
  • Airtel Money
  • Bank transfer (select banks)
From abroad, card payment is usually the most convenient option. M-Pesa works if you have a Safaricom line active.

Tips & Troubleshooting

  • Browser: Use Chrome or Firefox for best compatibility. Clear cache if pages do not load.
  • Password reset: Use the "Forgot Password" link. Ensure your registered email is accessible.
  • Payment not reflecting: Wait 30 minutes. If still not reflected, email support@ecitizen.go.ke with your reference number and M-Pesa confirmation.
  • Photo upload failing: Ensure the photo is JPEG format, under 1MB, with a white background and 600x600px minimum resolution.
  • System downtime: eCitizen may be down for maintenance, usually at night. Try again during business hours (EAT).

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The eCitizen portal is accessible worldwide. Kenyans abroad can apply for ePassports, birth certificates, and other services online, then complete any in-person requirements at their nearest Kenya embassy.

Use a Visa or Mastercard for payment from abroad. If you have an active Safaricom line, M-Pesa also works internationally. Some services at embassies accept local currency or bank transfer.

Within Kenya, standard processing takes 10-14 working days after biometrics capture. From abroad via an embassy, processing typically takes 4-8 weeks as the application is forwarded to Nairobi for production.

You need a valid Kenyan national ID number (or passport number for foreigners), a working email address, and a phone number. Registration is free and takes about 5 minutes.

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