Birth papers now turn cash cow for brokers

By Wairimu Kamande

Residents of Thika District have complained of brokers demanding ‘facilitation fee’ from parents seeking birth certificates for their children.

Applicants said agents had pitched camp at the district offices and were demanding at least Sh1,000 for every certificate applied for.

District civil registrar Martin Gitau Mbogo confirmed the presence of brokers but blamed the public for giving them money.

Teachers’ pressure

"The highest amount payable here is Sh150 for which an official receipt is issued. Any other money paid to an agent is illegal. We have told them not to give money to the agents but it seems they have continued to do so. Besides, they have not showed us any of the alleged agents," he said.

He criticised head teachers for sending students home for the certificates saying the deadline for the issuance was moved to June 30.

"The pressure on parents is a creation of the head teachers. They should not be sending students home," he said.

He added that many parents had failed to follow instructions.