Immigration LawPROCESS OF ACQUIRING CITIZENSHIP IN KENYA

PROCESS OF ACQUIRING CITIZENSHIP IN KENYA

Article 13(2) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 provides that Citizenship may be acquired either through birth or registration.

Kenya offers two pathways to citizenship: one is either born a citizen or can be registered as a citizen after;

1. Residing in Kenya on the authority of a permit for 7 years( Lawful Residents) or
2. Marriage to a Kenyan citizen for 7 years.

There is nothing more fulfilling and settling than having citizenship in one’s country of residence. Citizenship comes with many benefits such as the privilege of voting in the country’s elections, the right to receive social welfare from the country among many other privileges.

We do advice foreign persons who are residents in Kenya to consider applying for Kenyan citizenship if they do qualify, as opposed to making application for permanent residency. While permanent residency allows you free entry and access to the Republic of Kenya, Citizenship grants more rights as mentioned above.

Procedure and Requirements for Lawful Residents

Foreign persons who have resided in Kenya for a period of over 7 years, are entitled to apply for citizenship of the Republic of Kenya. The following documents are required in order to make a successful application:

1. A printed online application form 10 (Print the form after completing your application)
2. 2 passport size photographs

• Questionnaire (Print the questionnaire after completing your application)

1. Permit held for the last 7 years
2. Certificate of good conduct
3. Letter of proof of contribution made in national development

• Personal bank statement
• Applicant’s passport copy

1. Declaration Concerning Residence (Form N)
2. Oath of allegiance
3. Copy of the Police Clearance Certificate

Once the above documents are ready, a Processing fee of Kshs 20,000/= and Issuance fee of Kshs 1,000,000/= is paid to the government and the applicant is called for an interview to verify all the above documents. Once the immigration officials are satisfied with the Applicant, Citizenship is then granted.

NB: It is mandatory to declare dual Nationality once citizenship is issued thus the dual declaration fees will apply.

• Dual Declaration: The law requires one to declare dual nationality once granted Kenyan citizenship or a Kenyan that acquires another citizenship.
• Acquisition of Kenyan Citizenship by Marriage.

A person who has been married to a Kenyan Citizen for a period of at least seven (7) years and has acquired resident status shall be entitled to be registered, provided that:

1. The marriage was solemnized under a system of law recognized in Kenya, whether solemnized in Kenya or outside Kenya.
2. The Applicant has not been declared a prohibited immigrant under any law.
3. The Applicant has not been convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment for a term of three years or longer.
4. The marriage was not entered into for the purpose of acquiring a status or privilege in relation to immigration or citizenship.
5. The marriage was in subsistence at the time of application for citizenship.

The following documents are required in order to make a successful application:

1. A printed online application form 8 (Print the form after completing your application)
2. 2 passport size photographs

• Copy of Marriage certificate

1. Certificate of good conduct
2. A joint sworn affidavit
3. Copy of Dependant’s pass/permit

• Copy of applicant’s passport
• Copy of spouses Kenyan passport

1. Questionnaire for intending applicants (Print the questionnaire after completing your application)
2. Copy of the Police Clearance Certificate

Once the above documents are ready, a Processing fee and Issuance fee is paid to the government and the applicant is called for an interview to verify all the above documents. Once the immigration officials are satisfied with the Applicant, Citizenship is then granted.

As a firm, we do take great pride and joy in aiding foreign nationals who qualify, to gain Kenyan citizenship.

We hope this information has been helpful. This content is however not exhaustive since there is much more to explore beyond what is written. If you need assistance you can contact us through our Email on [email protected]  or you can Call/Whatsapp us through 0735 094112.