How to Apply for Kenya Citizenship

It’s not as complicated as you might think. But then again, it’s not as simple as walking into a government office and walking out with a Kenyan passport either. Applying for Kenyan citizenship is a process, one that requires patience, diligence, and a good understanding of the steps involved. Before diving into the nitty-gritty of the legal requirements, let’s set the stage with a story.

Imagine you’re a long-term resident in Kenya, having lived in the country for over 7 years. You’ve built a business, you’ve made friends, and you’ve even started to consider Kenya your true home. You’re not alone. Many expatriates reach this point, where they feel deeply rooted in the community and culture of Kenya, making citizenship the next logical step. But here’s the catch: what’s the fastest and most effective way to get there?

Types of Kenyan Citizenship Before proceeding, you should be aware that there are several pathways to citizenship in Kenya, each with its unique criteria. The Kenyan Constitution recognizes three main types of citizenship: by birth, by descent, and by registration. The primary focus for most foreigners is citizenship by registration, and it is a highly structured process.

1. Citizenship by Birth

This is for individuals born in Kenya, either to Kenyan parents or under certain conditions. This won’t apply to most readers, but it’s good to know that those born in Kenya automatically gain citizenship at birth.

2. Citizenship by Descent

If you are born outside Kenya to Kenyan parents, you can claim citizenship by descent. However, there are additional requirements if you are an adult seeking to claim this, such as proof of parentage and sometimes residence requirements.

3. Citizenship by Registration

This is the most common pathway for non-Kenyans. If you’re married to a Kenyan, have lived in Kenya for a certain period, or fall under other specific criteria like being stateless, this is your category. This is the route we will explore in detail.

Eligibility for Citizenship by Registration

The Kenyan Constitution and the Citizenship and Immigration Act outline who can apply for citizenship by registration. Let’s break down the key requirements:

1. Marriage to a Kenyan citizen: If you are married to a Kenyan, you can apply for citizenship after being legally married for at least 7 years. The law requires proof of a genuine marriage, meaning authorities will scrutinize the marriage certificate, interview you, and look into your life in Kenya.

2. Residency: Long-term residents in Kenya who have lived there for a continuous period of 7 years can apply. Your residency must be legal, meaning you should have valid permits during that period.

3. Former Citizens: If you were previously a Kenyan citizen and renounced your citizenship, you have the right to re-apply for it through registration.

4. Stateless People: Stateless individuals who live in Kenya can also apply for citizenship if they meet certain conditions. This includes people who cannot claim any nationality despite having been born in Kenya or having lived there for most of their life.

Application Process

Now that you understand the different pathways and eligibility, let's get into how to actually apply for Kenyan citizenship. The process is primarily governed by the Department of Immigration Services in Kenya, and applications can now be made online through the eCitizen portal.

1. Create an Account on eCitizen: First, you’ll need to create an account on the eCitizen portal (https://www.ecitizen.go.ke/). This is the official government portal for all public services, including citizenship applications.

2. Download the Application Forms: Once logged in, navigate to the "Department of Immigration Services" section and download the relevant citizenship application forms. For registration under marriage or residency, Form 8 (Application for Citizenship) will be your starting point.

3. Gather Required Documents: Depending on your route to citizenship, you will need to submit several documents:

   • Birth Certificate: Both yours and, in the case of marriage, your spouse’s.
   • Marriage Certificate: If applying through marriage.
   • Kenyan National ID: For your spouse if you are applying through marriage.
   • Valid Residency Permit: Proof of your legal stay in Kenya for the past 7 years.
   • Police Clearance: Certificate from Kenya and your country of origin to prove that you don’t have a criminal record.
   • Tax Records: Recent tax records as proof of your contributions as a resident.

4. Submission and Fees: After completing the forms and uploading all necessary documents, submit your application through the portal. A non-refundable processing fee of approximately 10,000 Kenyan Shillings is required. Ensure that you keep your payment receipts as you’ll need them during the processing phase.

Interview and Approval Process

Once your application is submitted, it will go through a thorough vetting process. Here’s what to expect:

1. Background Checks: Authorities will conduct background checks on your life in Kenya. This might include visits to your residence, interviews with neighbors, or checks with the Kenyan Revenue Authority to verify your tax records.

2. Interview: You will be invited to an interview at the Department of Immigration Services. The interview will assess your knowledge of Kenya’s culture, history, and Constitution. In the case of marriage, both spouses may be interviewed to confirm the legitimacy of the marriage.

3. Approval or Denial: If all checks out, your application will be forwarded to the Kenyan Citizenship Advisory Committee for final approval. This body makes the ultimate decision on whether to grant or deny citizenship. If denied, you can reapply after addressing the issues highlighted in the rejection.

4. Oath of Allegiance: Upon approval, you will be required to take an Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of Kenya. This is a mandatory step before receiving your citizenship certificate.

Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities

Once you’re granted Kenyan citizenship, you gain several important rights:

• Right to vote: You can participate in Kenyan elections.
• Access to Public Services: You can benefit from the Kenyan healthcare system, public education, and other government services.
• Business Opportunities: Citizenship allows you to own land and start businesses without the restrictions imposed on foreign nationals.

However, citizenship also comes with responsibilities. You’ll be required to pay taxes, abide by Kenyan laws, and participate in civic duties like jury service when required.

Dual Citizenship

Kenya allows dual citizenship, so if your country of origin permits it, you can retain your original nationality while enjoying the benefits of being Kenyan. However, you must declare your status to both governments to avoid legal complications.

Challenges to Keep in Mind

While the application process has been streamlined, it’s not without its hurdles:

• Processing Times: Applications can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to process, depending on your circumstances and the workload at the Department of Immigration.

• High Scrutiny: Authorities will thoroughly check the legitimacy of your application, especially in the case of marriage. Any inconsistency can lead to delays or outright rejection.

• Cost: The costs can add up, including application fees, police clearance certificates, and legal advice if you choose to hire a lawyer to assist with the process.

In summary, applying for Kenyan citizenship is a structured but manageable process. With the right preparation and attention to detail, it’s an attainable goal for long-term residents, spouses of Kenyan citizens, and other eligible individuals. If you’re ready to take the plunge, ensure you’re fully prepared for the time and effort it requires, and soon you could proudly call yourself a Kenyan citizen.