What is it like to live in a country with rich cultures, beautiful scenery and warm, inclusive demeanour?
Being the heart of East Africa, Kenya is a unique place to call home as a Citizen of Kenya. Whether you envision yourself as a land owner, a voter in elections, or just a member of Kenya’s diverse culture, the process of acquiring citizenship is a fulfilling journey.
In this article, we will guide you on how to become a Citizen of Kenya in simple, clear steps.
By the time you’re finished, you’ll know everything you need to do, which documents you have to have, and how the Kenya State Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services can help you get there.
Why Kenyan Citizenship?
Before we get into the how-to, here is why you might want to become a Citizen of Kenya.
You receive extraordinary rights
The opportunity to own land on a freehold basis, participate in elections, and live freely in one of the most dynamic countries in Africa.
Kenya has stunning wildlife, bustling cities like Nairobi, and a growing economy. Indeed, when you become a citizen of Kenya, you get to enjoy a country that is alive with politics and cultural festivals such as Jamhuri Day.
Nationality and Citizenship in Kenya
Nationality in Kenya is the set of laws that pertain to the legal notion that to belong to a state, a person must be born or naturalised in that state. This agency deals with all things concerning citizens, visas, and immigration.
They have simplified the process, particularly with the e-Citizen Government of Kenya platform to apply online for services.
Whether you’re part of the Kenyan family by birth, marriage or long-term residence, there are straightforward procedures for acquiring Kenyan citizenship. Here are the three ways you can become a Kenyan citizen.
The Benefits of Being a Kenyan Citizen
- After you become a citizen of Kenya, nothing stops your progress. You get a vote in Kenyan elections, where you shape the country’s future.
- You can even own land on a freehold basis, a privilege reserved for citizens, so you could invest in property or start a farm.
- As a Kenyan Citizen, you’ll also be able to live, work, and travel both in and out of Kenya without visa restrictions.
- You’ll be in a country whose people are famous for their warmth, whether you’re on the coastal beaches of Mombasa or the wildlife-rich plains of Maasai Mara.
- The Department of Immigration and Citizen Services, State Department of Kenya, ensures the protection and empowerment of every Kenyan Citizen.
- If you’re building a family, opening a business or basking in Kenya’s rich culture, citizenship is how you truly become part of this world-class country.
3 Ways to Become a Kenyan Citizen
There are three ways to become a Citizen of Kenya:
- By birth
- Marriage
- Residence
Each pathway has different requirements, and the State Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services ensures the procedure is open and equitable.
Below, we break down each option so you can see which one applies to you.
Option 1: Citizenship by Birth
The easiest way to gain Kenyan citizenship through naturalisation is via birth.
As provided in Article 14 of the Constitution of Kenya and Section 12 of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act of 2011, if at least one of your parents is a Kenyan Citizen at the time of your birth, you are a Kenyan Citizen by operation of law.
This is true even if you were born in Kenya or overseas. For instance, if your mother or father is a citizen of Kenya, you are a citizen, regardless of where you were born.
Child is located in Kenya without any previous circumstances
There’s an additional special rule for children located in Kenya. Where a person, being a child of not more than eight years, is found in Kenya and the circumstances surrounding the child are unknown, the person is presumed to be a citizen by birth.
This rule safeguards the vulnerable children and provides them with a legal tie to Kenya.
Child born to a Citizen of Kenya Abroad
If a child is born to a citizen of Kenya but outside Kenya, the child will need to be issued with a certificate of a citizen child of a citizen of Kenya born abroad upon proper registration and production of the information on the birth, as required by law.
This is a certificate to prove that your child is a Kenyan citizen and is provided by the Kenyan State Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services. To apply, you’ll need:
- A certified foreign copy of the child’s birth certificate.
- Copies of both parents’ Kenyan passports and IDs (if one parent is not a Kenyan, including the foreign passport).
- Evidence of the child’s dual citizenship if they are over 18.
- A complete application form BDA 1 can be obtained from the e-Citizen Government of Kenya portal.
This application can be done through a Kenyan embassy or the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services of the State in Nairobi.
It is easy, and your child will be registered as a Citizen of Kenya when the application is approved.
Option 2. Citizenship by Marriage
If you are married to a Citizen of Kenya, you have a right to Kenyan citizenship through marriage.
It is a convenient choice for partners wishing to integrate fully into Kenyan society.
Eligibility
- You must have been married to a Citizen of Kenya for at least 7 years
- The marriage is recognised under the Laws of Kenya.
- You are not a banned immigrant.
- You do not have a criminal record (including any sentence of three years or more).
- Nobody got married to get citizenship.
- The marriage must also still be active at the time of application.
This means such a marriage should have the nuptials performed by a recognised legal system in Kenya, whether registered in Kenya or other jurisdictions.
Necessary Documents
You will need to present Form 7 (or Form 8 in case your Kenyan spouse is deceased) together with:
- Marriage certificate (Have it photocopied).
- Your spouse’s passport or ID is from Kenya.
- Evidence of your legal residence in Kenya.
- Two passport-size photos.
Applications are made on the e-Citizen Government of Kenya portal or at the State Department of Immigration and Citizen Services, Nyayo House, in Nairobi.
They charge a non-refundable fee:
To become a Kenyan citizen by marriage, the costs as of 2024 are as follows:
Processing fee: KES 20,000 (non-refundable, paid during application).
Issuance fee: KES 100,000 for non-East African nationals, or KES 50,000 for East African nationals (paid upon approval).
Total cost for most applicants: KES 120,000 (KES 20,000 processing + KES 100,000 issuance).
These fees do not include any additional costs such as obtaining required documents (e.g., good conduct certificate, affidavits) or legal/translation services.
Note:
You must have been married to a Kenyan citizen for at least 7 years to qualify. Fees are subject to change, so always confirm on the official Directorate of Immigration Services website.
Is the non-refundable processing fee included in the total cost
(more or less Ksh 30,000 for the ladies and Ksh 200,000 for the gentlemen) payable on approval.
If your Kenyan spouse has died, you can also apply as a widow or widower as long as you had been married for at least seven years at the time of your spouse’s death.
This path will allow spouses of citizens of Kenya to be part of the country where they have built a life.
3. Citizenship by Lawful Residence
The third type of citizen of Kenya is by legal residence. This category is for individuals residing in Kenya legally for less than 7 years without interruption.
It’s ideal for those who have come to Kenya and made this their home and have wanted to formalise this particular linkage between them and the country.
Eligibility
To claim to be eligible for citizenship because of lawful residence, you will need to:
- You must be at least 18 and have the legal capacity to apply.
- Have been living in Kenya for at least 7 years, without long periods of absence within that time frame.
- Demonstrate Kiswahili and or knowledge of a local language.
- Plan to live in Kenya or stay closely connected to the country.
- Have not been convicted of a serious offence (a prison sentence of three years or more).
- Show that you can give back to Kenya (perhaps through your skills, business, or community engagement).
Application
Complete the Application for Registration as a Citizen of Kenya (Form 9) available on the e-Citizen Government of Kenya portal. You’ll also need to provide:
- Evidence that they are a lawfully resident (such as a residence permit or visa).
- Two passport-size photos.
- A letter detailing how you will help build Kenya.
Send these documents to the Department of Immigration and Citizen Services of the State at Nyayo House or a Kenyan embassy if you’re outside Kenya.
The cost to become a Kenyan citizen by lawful residence has been revised to KES 1,000,000 as of March 2024, up from the previous fee of KES 200,000.
This fee is payable upon approval of your application for citizenship by lawful residence.
The processing fee is non-refundable, and the issuance fee will depend on your condition.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Kenyan Citizenship
Now that you know the three routes to becoming a Kenyan citizen, let’s go through the application process.
Kenya has made it easier, through the Kenya State Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services’ e-Citizen Government of Kenya site, though you’ll still need to follow these steps closely.
Step 1: Check If You Qualify
First, determine your category: birth, marriage or lawful residence. Each path has specific prerequisites, so you’ll want to double-check whether you meet them. For instance, if you are applying as a married couple, ensure your marriage is legally recognised and lasts seven years. If in doubt, you can ask questions of the State Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services.
Step 2: Collect All the Documents You Need
Depending on which category you belong to, you will have to present documents such as the following:
- For by-birth citizenship- birth certificates.
- Marriage certificates(for citizenship through marriage).
- Residency permits or passes (for legal residence).
- Passport-size photos.
- Evidence of your spouse’s or parents’ Kenyan citizenship (passports or IDs).
When applying through marriage, a Certificate of No Impediment for a Kenyan Citizen is required to confirm that the marriage wasn’t done for immigration purposes.
All documents should be certified; they need a certified translation if translated into another language. Kenyan embassies can assist you with documents if you are outside the country.
Step 3: Complete the Application Forms
Go to the e-Citizen Government of Kenya portal (immigration.go.ke) and create an account. Select the application form once you are logged in:
- Form BDA 1:- For registration of a Certificate of Citizen Child born abroad in Kenya.
- Form 7 or 8: For gaining citizenship through marriage.
- Form 9: For citizenship according to lawful residence.
Make sure to complete the form thoroughly, cross-checking every detail. If applying in person, you may also download forms from the State Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services site.
Step 4: Apply for Your License
Apply online at e-Citizen, Government of Kenya, or in person at Nyayo House, Nairobi. If you’re outside the country, submit your request to the closest Kenyan embassy or high commission.
Submit everything requested and a postage-paid, self-addressed return envelope for your certificate.
Step 5: Pay the Fees
After submission, you will receive an invoice via the e-Citizen Government of Kenya platform. Fees vary:
- Citizenship by birth (for example, a child born abroad): KES 20,000 ($155) (non-refundable application fee).
- Citizenship through marriage: KES 30,000 ($231.90) (female) or KES 200,000 ($1,546.00) (male) will be paid following approval.
- Citizenship by lawful residence: The same fees, Ksh-1000,000 ( $7,730), are paid after approval.
Payment can be made online or at designated banks. Save your receipt of payment as evidence.
Step 6: Follow Up on Your Application
After you have submitted your Applications for Registration as a Citizen of Kenya and paid the applicable fees, it’s time to check your application status.
Your application is processed by the Kenya State Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services, but it may take some time depending on your situation.
You can track your application’s status on the e-Citizen Government of Kenya portal by logging in to your e-Citizen account and going to the “Dashboard”.
Check under “My Applications” for updates or messages from the State Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services.
You may have to reach out to Nyayo House or, where applicable, a Kenyan embassy, if you physically applied at Nyayo House or a Kenyan consulate.
Be prepared to wait: it can take several months for applications based on marriage or lawful residence.
To expedite the process, ensure all your documents are complete and accurate. Without access to all the relevant documents, wrong or missing information can delay attaining citizenship in Kenya.
If you are overseas, embassies like the Kenya High Commission in London or Washington, D.C., can give you updates concerning your application.
Step 7: Get a Certificate of Registration
If your application is approved, the Kenya State Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services will grant you a Kenyan Citizen Certificate of Registration.
This is a formal confirmation that you are a citizen of Kenya and have the same rights as other citizens of Kenya, including the right to vote, buy land, and reside in Kenya without any restrictions on immigration.
If you registered using the e-Citizen Government of Kenya portal, you will be informed when to collect the certificate, which will be sent to you.
You might have to collect it at Nyayo House or the embassy, depending on whether or not you made an application in person.
Upon obtaining your certificate, you can apply for a Kenyan passport and the national ID card that will give you a full taste of being a Citizen of Kenya.
If you are born abroad, you will also get a Certificate of a Citizen Child Born Abroad in Kenya, which is evidence of your citizenship. Keep these documents safe; you will need them to access your rights as a Citizen of Kenya.
Dual Citizenship and Regaining Citizenship
Kenya is a dual citizenship country, which is good news if you dream of achieving Kenyan citizenship but still hold on to another citizenship from your home country.
However, you have three months to report this to the State Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services. You’ll need to submit:
- Your Kenyan passport and national Identity Card (if any).
- Notarised copy of your office foreign passport or naturalisation record.
- A filled-out dual citizenship declaration.
This disclosure of dual citizenship costs approximately $540 if made via the Kenyan embassy (like in Washington, D.C.).
Being a citizen of Kenya naturally allows you to belong to both nationalities legally.
Application is made to the Kenya State Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services with:
- Copy of previous Kenyan citizenship (e.g, passport or ID).
- A photocopy of your foreign passport or naturalisation certificate.
- A charge (e.g., £425 in the UK, made payable to the Kenya High Commission).
This is an ideal choice for Kenyans in the diaspora who need to re-establish their roots and become citizens of Kenya once more.
Certificate of No Obstacle
If you are applying for citizenship by marriage, you may be required to present the Certificate of No Impediment for a Kenyan Citizen.
This document proves that you were not married just for citizenship. It’s issued by the State Department of Immigration and Citizen Services, or a Kenyan embassy, and it needs:
- A marriage certificate copy.
- Evidence that the marriage is valid under the laws of Kenya.
- A written statement attesting that there is a good-faith marriage.
This certificate gives the Kenya State Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services confidence that they can rely on the validity of your marriage, easing your way to being a Citizen of Kenya.
Tips for a Successful Application
Becoming a Kenyan citizen is exciting, but it’s a process that requires attention to detail. Here are a few tips to make it work:
Documents
Double-Check All Of Your Records. Your fiancé will also be filing two sets of documents with the authorities. The most common reason for delay is missing or incorrect documents.
Use the e-Citizen Platform
The e-Citizen Government of Kenya platform is easy to use and allows you to track your application. Open an account well in advance and get to know it.
Contact the State Department
If you’re unsure about specific details regarding what you need or the process, contact the State Department of Immigration and Citizen Services via email (immigration@kenya.go.ke) or go to Nyayo House in Nairobi.
Seek Help
Professionals such as immigration attorneys, lawyers in Kenya, or consultants can assist you, particularly with more complicated cases, like lawful residency or restoring citizenship.
Be Patient
Processing times fluctuate, so check in periodically when things start “taking too long” and refrain from hounding the Kenya State Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services.
Final Words
Second, Kenyan citizenship is not just a legal status – it’s a shared membership in a nation that offers abundant opportunity, culture, and community, E-Citizen, Government of Kenya.
Whether you’re eligible by birth, marriage, or lawful residence, the Kenya State Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services details the process clearly and accessibly, especially with the e-Citizen Government of Kenya platform.
With the following steps, checking to see if you’re eligible, getting documentation together, applying and being patient, you’ll be well on your way to calling Kenya home.
Either visit the e-Citizen Government of Kenya website or contact the State Department of Immigration and Citizen Services to begin.
FAQs
How long does it take?
It depends on the category. Birthright citizenship is typically faster (a few months), while marriage or lawful residence can take six months to a year.
Can I apply from abroad?
Yes! Apply through the e-Citizen Government of Kenya or your nearest Kenyan embassy. You will need to mail your documents and a prepaid, self-addressed envelope.
What happens if my application is not accepted?
The Kenya State Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services will detail why. You can fix problems (such as forgetting to include a particular document) and reapply.
Do I have to renounce my other citizenship?
Kenya, no, not based on eligibility, though they do accept dual citizenship, but you have to declare it.
