Kenyan Citizenship

Kenya offers a welcoming legal framework for foreign nationals seeking to acquire, regain, or renounce citizenship. This enables individuals to build a lasting connection with the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse communities.

The Constitution of Kenya and the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011 outline the legal avenues through which Kenyan citizenship can be obtained. These include:

1. Citizenship by Birth
2. Citizenship by Registration
3. Dual Citizenship

Citizenship by Registration is available to individuals who fall within the following special categories:

• Spouses of Kenyan citizens
• Lawful residents (e.g. long-term permanent residents)
• Stateless persons and migrants
• Descendants of stateless persons
• Adopted children of Kenyan citizens

Each category has its own specific eligibility criteria, document requirements, and procedural steps. Applications are submitted through the Directorate of Immigration Services using the eFNS portal (electronic Foreign Nationals Services).

Last Updated: 30/09/2025

According to Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, a person is considered a citizen by birth if, on the day of their birth—whether or not born in Kenya—either their mother or father is a Kenyan citizen.

For individuals born on or before 27th August 2010, citizenship by birth also applies, if either parent was a citizen at the time of their birth, regardless of the place of birth.

This is an automatic form of citizenship and does not require any formal registration unless documentary proof is needed for legal, travel, or identification purposes.

However, individuals who previously held Kenyan citizenship and have since renounced or lost it may apply to regain their citizenship through a formal application process.

Under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011, a foreign national who has been legally married to a Kenyan citizen for a continuous period of at least seven years is eligible to apply for Kenyan citizenship by registration.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for citizenship through marriage, the applicant must meet all of the following conditions:

• The marriage must have been solemnised under a system of law recognised in Kenya, whether in Kenya or abroad.
• The applicant must not have been declared a prohibited immigrant under any Kenyan law.
• The applicant must not have been convicted of a criminal offence resulting in a prison sentence of three years or more.
• The marriage must not have been entered into solely to acquire immigration or citizenship status.
• The marriage must be subsisting at the time of application.

Document Requirements

All documents must be submitted in English or accompanied by a sworn English translation:

• Printed Application Form 8 (downloaded from the eFNS platform after completing the online form)
• Two recent passport-sized photographs
• Certified copy of the marriage certificate
• Certificate of Good Conduct issued in Kenya
• Joint sworn affidavit from both spouses
• Copy of the applicant’s valid passport
• Copy of the Kenyan spouse’s passport
• Copy of the applicant’s valid dependent pass or permit
• Completed Questionnaire for Intending Applicants (downloaded from eFNS)
• Police Clearance Certificate from the applicant’s country of origin
• Completed Checklist (available on the eFNS platform)

Processing Time

Applications for Kenyan citizenship by marriage are assessed for completeness and legal eligibility. The standard processing period ranges from 2 to 5 years, depending on the complexity of the case and administrative capacity.

Government Fees

The applicable fees are as follows and must be paid via the eFNS platform:

1. Foreign Spouses (Non-EAC nationals)

• Processing fee: 20,050 KES (non-refundable, payable prior to document submission)
• Approval fee: 100,050 KES

2. Spouses from East African Community (EAC) Member States

• Processing fee: 20,050 KES (non-refundable)
• Approval fee: 50,050 KES

Foreign nationals who have lawfully resided in Kenya for a continuous period of at least seven years may apply for Kenyan citizenship by registration under the lawful residence category.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following conditions to qualify:

• The applicant must have been an ordinary resident in Kenya for seven years immediately prior to the application.
• The applicant must have continuously resided in Kenya during the 12 months preceding the date of application.
• The applicant must demonstrate adequate knowledge of Kenya and its civic duties and rights.
• The applicant must be able to understand and speak Kiswahili or a recognised local dialect.
• The applicant must understand the nature of the application.
• The applicant must not have been convicted of a criminal offence resulting in a prison sentence of three years or more.
• The applicant must satisfy the Cabinet Secretary of their intention to reside in Kenya after registration.
• The applicant must be able to demonstrate, through objective written justification, that they have made or are capable of making a substantive contribution to national development.
• The applicant must not be adjudged bankrupt.
• The applicant must have resided in Kenya under the authority of a valid permit or received an exemption from the Cabinet Secretary. They must not be enjoying privileges under the Privileges and Immunities Act.

Document Requirements

All documents must be submitted in English or accompanied by a sworn English translation:

• Completed Application Form 10 (downloadable from the eFNS platform)
• Two passport-sized photographs
• Completed Questionnaire (generated after online application)
• Copy of the permit held for the last 7 years
• Certificate of Good Conduct issued in Kenya
• Letter of justification demonstrating contribution to national development
• Personal bank statements evidencing financial history
• Copy of the applicant’s passport
• Completed Declaration Concerning Residence (Form N)
• Oath of Allegiance
• Police Clearance Certificate from country of origin (if applicable)
• Completed Checklist (available on the eFNS portal)

Processing Time

The application will be assessed for legal compliance and documentary completeness. The processing period typically ranges from 2 to 5 years, depending on administrative capacity and case complexity.

Government Fees

The following official fees apply to applications for Kenyan citizenship by lawful residence:

• Processing fee: 20,050 KES (non-refundable; payable before uploading documents on the eFNS platform)
• Government fee upon approval: 1,000,050 KES

A foreign national who was married to a Kenyan citizen, and who would have been eligible for citizenship by registration after seven years of marriage, may still apply for citizenship following the citizen’s death.

Such an individual is deemed to have been lawfully present in Kenya for the unexpired portion of the seven-year qualifying period and becomes eligible for registration upon its completion.

However, if the widow or widower marries a non-citizen before the seven-year period has elapsed, they forfeit eligibility for citizenship under this category.

Document Requirements

Applicants must submit the following documents in English, or translated into English by a sworn translator:

• Completed Application Form 9 (downloadable after submitting your online application via the eFNS portal)
• Two passport-sized photographs
• Copy of the marriage certificate
• Copy of the Kenyan spouse’s death certificate
• Certificate of Good Conduct issued in Kenya
• Sworn affidavit confirming facts of the marriage
• Copy of the applicant’s dependant pass or permit
• Copy of the applicant’s passport bio-data page
• Police Clearance Certificate from the applicant’s country of nationality (if applicable)
• Completed Checklist (available on the eFNS platform)

Applicants must ensure they are lawfully present in Kenya during the processing period.

Processing Time

All applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility. The processing time typically ranges from 2 to 5 years.

Government Fees

The following fees apply to applications for Kenyan citizenship by a widow or widower of a Kenyan citizen:

• Government processing fee: 20,050 KES (non-refundable; payable before uploading documents via the eFNS portal)
• Government fee upon approval: 50,050 KES

Kenyan law permits the registration of adopted children and dependants of Kenyan citizens under specific conditions. This pathway ensures that children with a legitimate familial or legal connection to a Kenyan citizen can be formally recognised as citizens.

Eligibility Criteria

Dependant Child of a Registered Citizen:
A child born before a parent acquired Kenyan citizenship by registration may be registered as a Kenyan citizen upon application by the parent or legal guardian. The following conditions apply:

• Evidence of the parent’s Kenyan citizenship must be provided
• A copy of the child’s birth certificate must be submitted
• There must be proof of lawful residence of the child in Kenya

Adopted Child of a Kenyan Citizen:
A non-citizen child who has been legally adopted by a Kenyan citizen is entitled to Kenyan citizenship, provided:

• The adopting parent is a Kenyan citizen
• A valid adoption certificate is issued in a reciprocating state or jurisdiction recognised by Kenya
• The child has lawful residence in Kenya

Document Requirements

All documents must be in English or officially translated by a sworn translator. Applicants must submit:

• Completed Application Form 11 (available via the eFNS portal)
• Two passport-sized photographs
• Birth certificate or valid adoption certificate
• Copy of the parent’s Kenyan passport and Certificate of Registration
• Copy of the child’s dependant pass
• Copy of the parent’s identity card
• Copy of the applicant’s passport
• Certificate of Good Conduct for children aged 18 and over
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Completed Checklist (available via the eFNS portal)

Processing Time

Applications are assessed for eligibility and completeness. The processing period typically ranges from 2 to 5 years.

Government Fees

The following fees apply:

• Government processing fee: 20,050 KES (non-refundable and payable before document upload via the eFNS portal)
• Government fee upon approval: 100,050 KES

Kenyan law provides a legal pathway for migrants and stateless persons who have maintained continuous residence in Kenya since 12 December 1963 to apply for citizenship by registration. This route ensures inclusion and legal recognition for individuals who, despite decades of lawful residence, remain without nationality.

Who Qualifies?

Stateless Persons:
Individuals who have no enforceable claim to citizenship in any recognised state and have been living in Kenya continuously since 12 December 1963.

Migrants:
Persons who voluntarily migrated to Kenya before 12 December 1963 and have continuously resided in the country and are deemed lawful residents.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Adequate knowledge of Kiswahili or a recognised local dialect
• The applicant must not hold a passport or identification document from any other country
• No criminal conviction resulting in imprisonment for a term of three years or more
• A clear intention to permanently reside in Kenya or maintain a close and continuing association with the country
• An understanding of the rights and duties of a Kenyan citizen

Document Requirements

All documents must be in English or officially translated by a sworn translator. The following are required:

• Completed Application Form 14 for migrants (via eFNS)
• Completed Application Form 13 for stateless persons (via eFNS)
• Two passport-sized photographs
• Certificate of Good Conduct
• Sworn affidavit declaring that no passport or ID document from another country is held
• Proof of continuous residence in Kenya since 12 December 1963
• Affidavit of continuous residence in Kenya
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Checklist (available on the eFNS portal)
• Applicants must be lawfully present in Kenya while the application is under review

Processing Time

All applications are assessed for completeness and eligibility. The typical processing time ranges from 2 to 5 years.

Government Fees

• Processing fee: 20,050 KES (non-refundable, payable before document upload on the eFNS portal)
• Government fee upon approval: 10,050 KES

Kenyan citizenship by descent is available to individuals who have attained the age of 18 and whose parent(s) are, or were (if deceased), eligible for citizenship by birth under Kenyan law. This route applies to persons born and raised in Kenya, who have never held citizenship or identification documents from any other country.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Proof of parent(s)’ eligibility for Kenyan citizenship by birth
• Born in Kenya and continuous residence in Kenya since birth
• No current or previous passport or ID from any other country
• Ability to understand and speak Kiswahili or a recognised local dialect
• No criminal conviction resulting in imprisonment of three years or more
• Clear intention to permanently reside in Kenya or maintain a continuing association with the country
• Understanding of the rights and responsibilities of a Kenyan citizen

Document Requirements

All documents must be submitted in English or translated by a sworn translator. The following documents are required:

• Completed Application Form 15 (available via the eFNS platform)
• Two passport-sized photographs
• Certificate of Good Conduct
• Birth certificate of the applicant
• Proof of residence in Kenya since birth
• Sworn affidavit confirming continuous residence
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Checklist (available via the eFNS portal)

Processing Time

All applications are subject to eligibility and completeness checks. The standard processing time is 2 to 5 years.

Government Fees

• Processing fee: 20,050 KES (non-refundable and payable before uploading documents to the eFNS portal)
• Government fee upon approval: 10,050 KES

A child or person living with a disability who is a dependant of a biological parent or legal guardian who holds Kenyan citizenship by registration may apply for Kenyan citizenship through this route. The application must be made on their behalf by the parent or guardian.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for registration as a Kenyan citizen under this category, the following conditions must be met:

• Proof of Kenyan citizenship of the parent or legal guardian (registration certificate)
• Birth certificate of the child or person with disability
• Evidence of lawful residence in Kenya
• Medical certificate confirming the disability

Document Requirements

All documents must be submitted in English or translated by a sworn translator. The following documents must be provided:

• Completed Application Form 12 (available via the eFNS platform)
• Copy of the applicant’s passport
• Copy of birth certificate
• Proof of lawful residence in Kenya
• Parent’s or guardian’s Certificate of Registration as a Kenyan citizen
• Medical certificate confirming disability
• Certificate of Good Conduct for applicants over 18 years
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Checklist (available via the eFNS platform)

Processing Time

The application will be assessed for completeness and eligibility. The standard processing period is 2 to 5 years.

Government Fees

• Processing fee: None
• Government fee upon approval: 20,050 KES

Dual citizenship is permitted in Kenya. Any Kenyan citizen who acquires citizenship of another country must declare their dual status within three months of acquiring the second nationality. Failure to do so constitutes an offence.

According to the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, any dual citizen who fails to disclose their other nationality as required is liable, upon conviction, to a fine not exceeding KES 5,000,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or both.

Required Documents

All documents must be submitted in English or translated by a sworn translator.

• Completed Form 3 (available on the eFNS portal)
• Two passport size photographs
• Birth certificate
• Kenyan passport
• Kenyan national ID
• Passport of the other country
• Citizenship certificate from the other country
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Checklist (available via the eFNS platform)

Processing Time

The application will be reviewed for completeness and eligibility. Processing time ranges from 2 to 5 years.

Government Fees

• Processing fee: 20,050 KES (non-refundable, payable before uploading documents to the eFNS portal)
• Fee after approval: 10,050 KES

Endorsement of Non-Kenyan Passport by a Dual Citizen

A person holding dual citizenship should request endorsement on their non-Kenyan passport to reflect their Kenyan citizenship status. This endorsement facilitates re-entry into Kenya and confirms dual nationality under Kenyan law.

Required Documents

All documents must be submitted in English or translated by a sworn translator.

• Completed Form 4 (available on the eFNS portal)
• Two passport size photographs
• Birth certificate
• Kenyan passport or Parent’s Kenyan passport
• Kenyan national ID
• Passport of the other country
• Citizenship certificate from the other country
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Checklist (available via the eFNS platform)

Processing Time

Applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility. Processing time is typically 2 to 5 years.

Government Fees

• Processing fee: 20,050 KES (non-refundable, payable before uploading documents to the eFNS portal)
• Fee after approval: 10,050 KES

A Kenyan citizen by birth may voluntarily renounce their citizenship, subject to the provisions of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011. This process allows individuals who have acquired foreign nationality and no longer wish to retain their Kenyan citizenship to formally give it up.

Once an eligible applicant has submitted a declaration of renunciation, the Cabinet Secretary is mandated to register the declaration, thereby effecting the renunciation. The application must be made willingly and with full understanding of its consequences.

Eligibility Criteria

• The applicant must be a Kenyan citizen by birth.
• The applicant must have acquired citizenship of another country.
• The decision to renounce must be made voluntarily and without coercion.

Required Documents

All documents must be in English or officially translated by a sworn translator.

• Completed Form 6 (print from the eFNS platform after completing your application)
• Two passport size photographs
• Original and copies of the Kenyan passport and national ID
• Copy of the foreign passport or proof of foreign citizenship
• Checklist (available via the eFNS platform)

Processing Time

Applications for renunciation are reviewed for completeness and eligibility. The standard processing period is between 2 to 5 years.

Government Fees

• Processing fee: 20,050 KES (payable before uploading documents to the eFNS portal; non-refundable)
• Fee after approval: 50,050 KES

A person who was a citizen of Kenya by birth and ceased to be a citizen of Kenya because he or she acquired the citizenship of another country may apply to regain their Kenyan citizenship.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants under this category are only qualified if:
• They provide proof of their previous Kenyan citizenship.
• They provide proof of citizenship of the other country.

Required Forms and Documents

All documents must be in English or officially translated into English by a sworn translator.

• A printed online application form 1 (Print the form after completing your application)
• Two passport size photographs
• A copy of Kenyan ID
• A copy of Kenyan passport
• A copy of the other country’s passport
• A copy of the other country’s citizenship certificate
• A copy of the Police Clearance Certificate
• A copy of the Checklist (Available on the eFNS platform)

Processing Time

The application will be reviewed for completeness and eligibility. Processing time is usually between 2 to 5 years.

Application Government Fees

• Government processing fee: 20,050 KES (This fee must be paid prior to uploading all required documents on the eFNS portal and is non-refundable).

• Government fee after approval: 50,050 KES

Additional Resources

• Republic of Kenya Electronic Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS) Portal
• Directorate of Immigration Services (DIS)