Introduction
Foreign nationals living or working in Kenya are required to hold a valid Alien Identification Card, often called the Alien ID. Although the system has evolved over time (especially with the introduction of digital immigration services) the Alien ID remains the foundational document for proving lawful residence. Its role is comparable to that of the national ID for Kenyan citizens, offering a formal recognition that the holder is legally present in the country.
The recent tightening of collection procedures, prompted by concerns over fraud, has caused some confusion among expatriates and employers. This article unpacks what the Alien ID is, why it matters, how one applies for it, and what has changed regarding pick-up protocols.
What the Alien ID Is and Why It Exists
The Alien ID is issued under the Registration of Persons Act and serves three primary functions.
- It provides the state with a reliable record of all non-citizens residing in Kenya for more than 90 days.
- It acts as an identity document for practical interactions, from banking to SIM registration.
- It helps distinguish between lawful residents, such as holders of work permits, dependants’ passes, and student passes, and individuals whose stay may not be regularised.
Historically, the Alien ID came in paper or plastic-card formats. In recent years, the government has integrated the application stage into the online eFNS (Electronic Foreign Nationals Services) system, although the physical card is still issued once biometrics and background checks are completed.
Eligibility and When It Must Be Obtained
Any foreign national who intends to stay in Kenya for more than 90 consecutive days must register for an Alien ID. This requirement, however, does not apply to students, researchers, interns, and special pass holders.
The obligation is tied to physical presence rather than permit category alone. Even where a person holds a valid work or residence permit, they are not considered properly documented until the Alien ID is issued.
The registration process carries a fee of KES 5,050, payable at the point of application. The card then becomes the individual’s official identification document while living in Kenya and is routinely requested during banking, compliance checks, travel within the region, and interactions with public authorities.
How the Application Works
The process begins on the eFNS portal, where the applicant creates or logs into an account, completes the Alien Registration Form, and uploads supporting documents. The primary documents are the biodata page of the passport, the Kenyan entry permit or pass, and passport-sized photographs. Once the application fee is paid online, the applicant books an appointment for biometrics at the Immigration Department or a designated regional office.
Biometric capture (photograph, fingerprints, and signature) is essential, as it anchors the card to the individual. After the appointment, the application moves into processing. Timelines can vary depending on system backlogs, but in most cases the card becomes available for collection within 6-8 weeks if no delays are encountered.
Validity, Renewal, and Practical Challenges
The Alien ID is always issued with the same validity as the underlying immigration permission held by the foreign national. If a person holds a one-year work permit or pass, the Alien ID is automatically aligned to that one-year period and expires on the same date. When the permit is renewed, the Alien ID must be renewed as well, as it does not extend independently of the primary immigration status.
Renewal comes with an annual registration fee, set by the Directorate of Immigration Services. The standard yearly fee for the Alien ID is currently KES 5,050, payable through the eFNS system at each renewal cycle.
A recurring difficulty arises from the timing of renewal. The system allows the renewal process to start only when the existing Alien ID is close to expiry, rather than several months before. While logical from a regulatory standpoint, this restriction creates a gap: immigration processing for the renewed card may take several weeks, and in some cases up to two months. As a result, many foreign nationals find themselves without a valid Alien ID for part of the renewal period, even though their underlying work or residence permit remains valid.
Why the Collection Procedure Has Changed
Previously, many immigration service providers were permitted to collect Alien IDs on behalf of their clients with the appropriate authorisation letter. Over time, several incidents of fraud, impersonation, and misrepresentation were reported. These ranged from individuals obtaining cards that did not belong to them to providers collecting cards without properly verifying identity. Given that the Alien ID is a legal identity document, the implications of such misuse were significant.
As a corrective measure, the Directorate of Immigration Services tightened the rules. The standing policy now requires the applicant to collect their Alien ID in person, presenting their original passport for verification.
What Applicants Should Expect Under the New Rules
When the card is ready, the applicant receives notification via the eFNS dashboard or SMS. The applicant must then attend the issuing office personally. The immigration officer will verify identity against the system, inspect the passport, and require a signature before releasing the card. No third-party collection is accepted.
For applicants outside Nairobi, regional immigration offices follow the same rules. If an applicant has moved since the time of application, it is advisable to update their contact details on the portal and reconfirm the designated collection office.
Looking Ahead
Kenya continues to modernise its identity and immigration systems, and the Alien ID will remain an important part of residency compliance until new frameworks are fully operational.
Although the change removes some administrative convenience, it strengthens the integrity of Kenya’s identification regime. For the foreign national, the process is straightforward so long as they attend in person with their passport.
Written by Tatjana Singh, Branch & Immigration Manager, Kenya
