Single mothers in Nakuru County have expressed anger over the denial of birth certificates due to the absence of the father’s names.
They cited that the Department of registration of births in the area has declined to issue them with the certificate without the names of child’s biological father.
“We do not want the father’s names indicated in the certificates mainly because they abandoned us,” said Jessica Njeri, a single mother.
Ann Nyawira said that this was demeaning.
“My son is in standard eight and is supposed to register for his end of year examination. He cannot register without a birth certificate. We have tried reaching the father through some of his relatives but he does not even want to talk to us. He is not willing to give us his identity Card,” said Nyawira.
MaryAnne Nyokabi said that she separated with her son's father when he was two and she has never followed up on his whereabouts.
“Why are they insisting on having the father's names and yet its clear he is not interested in being in his life. Its rude and unnecessary,” notes Nyokabi.
An official in the department who sought anonymity as they are not allowed to speak to the press admitted that they were not giving the certificates to single parents.
“The law requires us to give names of both parents. If we state one name only we will find ourselves in trouble,” said the source.