Kenya Citizenship & Dual Nationality

The 2010 Constitution of Kenya fundamentally changed citizenship law, notably by allowing dual citizenship for the first time. This guide covers all paths to Kenyan citizenship.

Dual Citizenship is Permitted

Under Article 16 of the 2010 Constitution, a citizen of Kenya by birth does not lose citizenship by acquiring the citizenship of another country. Kenyans who previously lost citizenship can apply for restoration.

Types of Kenyan Citizenship

Citizenship by Birth (Article 14)

A person is a citizen by birth if on the day of the person's birth, whether or not the person is born in Kenya, either the mother or father of the person is a citizen.

Citizenship by Registration (Article 15)

A person may apply for citizenship by registration if they:

  • Have been married to a citizen for a period of at least 7 years
  • Have been lawfully resident in Kenya for a continuous period of at least 7 years
  • Are a child who is not a citizen but is adopted by a citizen

Dual Citizenship (Article 16)

A citizen by birth does not lose citizenship by acquiring citizenship of another country. This was a landmark change from the previous constitution which did not permit dual citizenship. Kenyans who lost their citizenship before 2010 can apply for restoration.

Citizenship by Descent

A person born outside Kenya to Kenyan parents is entitled to Kenyan citizenship. The birth must be registered at a Kenya embassy or the Civil Registration Department.

How to Apply

Restoration of Citizenship

Kenyans who lost citizenship before 2010 by acquiring foreign nationality can apply for restoration:

  1. Register on the eCitizen portal
  2. Complete the citizenship restoration application form
  3. Submit required documents (birth certificate, previous Kenyan passport, foreign passport, proof of previous Kenyan citizenship)
  4. Pay the applicable fee
  5. Applications are processed by the Department of Immigration Services

Required Documents

  • Previous Kenyan passport or ID (or evidence of previous citizenship)
  • Birth certificate
  • Current foreign passport
  • Two passport photographs
  • Completed application form
  • Statutory declaration/affidavit
Important Notes
  • Dual citizens enjoy full rights as Kenyan citizens, including property ownership
  • Some restrictions apply for certain public offices (e.g., State officers must not hold dual citizenship while in office)
  • Children born to at least one Kenyan parent automatically have the right to Kenyan citizenship, regardless of where they are born
  • Applications can be made through Kenyan embassies abroad or directly to the Department of Immigration in Nairobi

Related