Allan Otieno Oluoch, a legal expert at Nubians Rights Forum and a student at Mount Kenya University, stresses that birth registration is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Kenyan Constitution. In an interview on Ghetto Radio's Changamka Show, Otieno highlighted that Article 53(1)(a) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, ensures every child has the right to a name and nationality from birth. He emphasizes that this right should be accessible to all children without discrimination.
Otieno raises concerns about the challenges faced by Nubian children in Kibra during the birth registration process. He warns that if these issues persist, future generations in the area may be at risk of statelessness. According to Otieno, officers responsible for facilitating birth registration should not create unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles for parents. He urges the government to address these registration barriers and issue birth certificates to affected children.
The legal expert calls on the government to end discriminatory practices in birth registration. He asserts that the government has a responsibility to facilitate registration and should not discriminate against those seeking it. Otieno emphasizes that the Constitution guarantees every child the right to a name and nationality from birth, and matters related to registration must be addressed within the existing legal framework.
Otieno further clarifies that birth registration is not merely an administrative requirement but a fundamental right that every child is entitled to enjoy, regardless of their background or community. He stresses that registration processes, including those involving parents with different registration statuses, must be handled in accordance with the law, including the Registration of Persons Act.
The issue of birth registration in Kibra has significant implications for the Nubian community. Otieno's comments highlight the need for the government to ensure that all children have access to this fundamental right. By addressing the registration challenges faced by Nubian children, the government can help prevent potential statelessness and ensure that all citizens have access to essential services and rights.
The Kenyan government has a critical role to play in facilitating birth registration and addressing the concerns raised by Otieno. By working to eliminate discriminatory practices and ensure that all children have access to birth registration, the government can help promote equality and protect the rights of all citizens. This includes ensuring that all children, regardless of their background or community, have access to essential services and rights.
Ultimately, the issue of birth registration in Kenya highlights the importance of protecting the rights of all citizens. By emphasizing the fundamental right to birth registration, Otieno and other advocates are working to ensure that all children have access to the services and rights they need to thrive. As the government moves forward, it will be essential to prioritize the needs of marginalized communities and work to address the registration challenges they face.
Key points
- The Kenyan Constitution guarantees every child the right to a name and nationality from birth.
- Birth registration is not merely an administrative requirement but a fundamental right.
- The government has a responsibility to facilitate registration and should not discriminate against those seeking it.
