Kenya Dual Citizenship Guide 2026

Kenya recognises and allows dual citizenship under Article 16 of the 2010 Constitution. This means Kenyan citizens can acquire citizenship of another country without losing their Kenyan citizenship, and foreign nationals with Kenyan ancestry can apply for Kenyan citizenship.

Constitutional Right

Article 16 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010: "A citizen by birth does not lose citizenship by acquiring the citizenship of another country." This overturned the previous ban on dual nationality.

Who Can Hold Dual Citizenship?

CategoryEligibilityNotes
Kenyan by birthAutomatically retain citizenship when acquiring foreign nationalityNo application needed to retain; should register dual status
Kenyan by descentBorn to a Kenyan parent abroadCan hold both Kenyan and birth country citizenship
Former Kenyan citizenLost citizenship before 2010 by acquiring foreign nationalityCan apply to regain Kenyan citizenship
Foreign national of Kenyan descentBorn to Kenyan parents, never held Kenyan citizenshipCan apply for Kenyan citizenship
Foreign spouse of KenyanMarried to a Kenyan citizen for 7+ yearsCan apply for Kenyan citizenship by registration

How to Apply for Dual Citizenship

  1. Contact Your Nearest Kenya Embassy

    The embassy will provide the dual citizenship application form and confirm requirements for your specific situation.

  2. Gather Required Documents

    See checklist below. All documents must be originals with certified copies.

  3. Submit Application at Embassy

    Attend in person with all documents. Pay the applicable fee.

  4. Application Forwarded to Nairobi

    The embassy forwards your application to the Department of Immigration Services in Nairobi.

  5. Background Check & Processing

    The department conducts verification. Processing can take 6-12 months.

  6. Receive Dual Citizenship Certificate

    If approved, you receive a dual citizenship certificate. You can then apply for or renew your Kenya ePassport.

Required Documents

  • Completed dual citizenship application form
  • Current Kenyan passport (or expired Kenyan passport)
  • Kenyan national ID card (if available)
  • Foreign passport (current)
  • Foreign citizenship/naturalisation certificate
  • Kenyan birth certificate
  • Parents Kenyan IDs or passports (proof of Kenyan parentage)
  • Passport-sized photographs (4)
  • Certificate of Good Conduct (from Kenya and country of residence)
  • Application fee (varies - check with embassy)

Rights of Dual Citizens

Rights Retained

  • Hold and use a Kenyan ePassport
  • Own property (freehold) anywhere in Kenya
  • Vote in Kenyan elections (if registered)
  • Access Kenyan consular services worldwide
  • Live and work in Kenya without a permit
  • Pass Kenyan citizenship to children

Restrictions

  • Cannot hold certain state offices (President, Deputy President, some constitutional offices)
  • Subject to Kenyan law when in Kenya
  • Must enter and leave Kenya on a Kenyan passport
  • Tax obligations may apply in both countries

Regaining Kenyan Citizenship

Kenyans who lost citizenship before the 2010 Constitution (by acquiring foreign nationality under the old law) can apply to regain it:

  • Apply at any Kenya embassy or at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi
  • Provide proof of previous Kenyan citizenship (old passport, birth certificate, parents IDs)
  • Provide current foreign citizenship documents
  • Certificate of Good Conduct required
  • Processing takes 6-12 months

Children and Dual Citizenship

Under the 2010 Constitution:

  • A child born to at least one Kenyan parent is entitled to Kenyan citizenship regardless of where they are born
  • Register the child birth at the nearest Kenya embassy (see birth registration guide)
  • The child can hold both Kenyan citizenship and the citizenship of the country of birth
  • Apply for a Kenya ePassport for the child through the embassy

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Under the 2010 Constitution, Kenyans by birth do not lose citizenship by acquiring foreign nationality. You should register your dual citizenship status at your nearest embassy, but your Kenyan citizenship is not lost.

Yes. Dual citizens retain the right to vote in Kenyan elections. Register as a voter at your nearest embassy during IEBC registration periods. Diaspora voting is currently available for the presidential election in select countries.

No. The Constitution restricts dual citizens from holding certain state offices including President, Deputy President, and other constitutional positions. You would need to renounce your other citizenship to be eligible.

You should use your Kenyan passport when entering and leaving Kenya. Use your other passport for travel in that country. At transit points, carry both passports. This is standard practice for dual citizens worldwide.

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