Do I automatically have dual citizenship?

If you acquired another citizenship after 27 August 2010, you retain Kenyan citizenship automatically but must declare within 3 months.

Can I run for political office as a dual citizen?

No. State Officers cannot hold dual citizenship under the Constitution.

Kenya Dual Citizenship Guide 2026

Kenya allows dual citizenship under the 2010 Constitution. Kenyan citizens can hold citizenship of another country without losing their Kenyan citizenship. However, you must formally declare your dual status.

Mandatory Disclosure

You must declare dual citizenship within 3 months of acquiring another nationality. Failure to disclose can result in a fine of up to KSH 5 million or imprisonment of up to 3 years.

Legal Framework

Dual citizenship in Kenya is governed by:

Constitution of Kenya 2010, Article 16: "A citizen by birth does not lose citizenship by acquiring the citizenship of another country."
Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act 2011: Provides the procedures for declaration and disclosure.

Before the 2010 Constitution, Kenyans who acquired foreign citizenship automatically lost their Kenyan citizenship. The new constitution reversed this, allowing dual nationality.

How to Declare Dual Citizenship

Obtain Form 2
Download Form 2 from the FNS Service Portal or collect from your nearest Kenya embassy.
Complete Two Sets of Form 2
Fill in all details accurately. Both copies must be notarised by a Commissioner of Oaths.
Gather Supporting Documents
Two copies of proof of other citizenship: passport bio-data page, citizenship certificate, or citizenship card.
Submit at Embassy or Immigration
Submit in person at your nearest Kenya embassy (abroad) or at the Immigration Department in Nairobi.
Receive Acknowledgement
You will receive a dual citizenship acknowledgement certificate. Keep this safe for your records.

Rights of Dual Citizens

Hold and travel on both passports
Own property in Kenya
Vote in Kenyan elections
Access Kenyan public services
Pass Kenyan citizenship to children
Conduct business in Kenya

Restrictions on Dual Citizens

Cannot hold state office: Under Article 78, dual citizens cannot be elected or appointed as State Officers (including President, Governor, Senator, MP)
Cannot serve in defence forces: Members of the Kenya Defence Forces cannot hold dual citizenship
Must enter Kenya on Kenya passport: Dual citizens should use their Kenya passport when entering and leaving Kenya

Regaining Kenyan Citizenship

Kenyans who lost their citizenship before the 2010 Constitution (by acquiring foreign citizenship) can now apply to regain it. The process involves:

Application at the Immigration Department or embassy
Proof of previous Kenyan citizenship (old passport, birth certificate, ID)
Current passport of the other country
Processing time: 2-6 months

FAQ

If you are a Kenyan citizen by birth and acquired another citizenship after 27 August 2010, you automatically retain your Kenyan citizenship. However, you must formally declare it within 3 months.

Yes. Children born to at least one Kenyan parent are entitled to Kenyan citizenship by birth, regardless of where they are born. They can hold both citizenships. Register their birth at the embassy.

No. Under the Constitution, State Officers (including MPs, Senators, Governors) cannot hold dual citizenship. You would need to renounce your other citizenship first.