Nationality of Kenya: all obtaining pathways
Kenya requires seven years of residence for registration as a citizen by naturalization, and seven years of marriage to a Kenyan citizen for the spousal route. Nationality is transmitted by birth —ius sanguinis and ius soli— under the Kenyan legislation in force.
1Nationality by birth (ius sanguinis/ius soli)
Nationality by birth (ius sanguinis/ius soli)
Requirements
- Children born anywhere with at least one Kenyan parent
- Abandoned children or orphans up to 8 years old found on Kenyan territory
- The 2010 Constitution allows deriving nationality from either parent indistinctly
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Kenyan identity document of the father or mother
- Proof of Kenyan nationality of at least one parent
2Registration by residence (naturalization)
Registration by residence (naturalization)
Requirements
- Continuous residence of 7 years in Kenya
- Has resided in Kenya throughout the twelve months immediately preceding the date of the application (sec 13(1)(c))
- Knowledge of Kiswahili or another local dialect
- Good character and conduct
- Not having been sentenced to a term exceeding 3 years
- Not having been declared bankrupt
- Legal capacity and substantive contribution to national development
- Dual nationality permitted since 2010
Documentation
- Registration application
- Birth certificate
- Valid passport and residence permit
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of knowledge of Kiswahili
- 2 recent photographs
- Reference letters
3Registration by marriage
Registration by marriage
Requirements
- Marriage to a Kenyan national for at least 7 years
- No additional minimum residence required
- Good character and conduct
- Widows/widowers of Kenyans may register if they would have met the requirement
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Kenyan identity document of the spouse
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Criminal record certificate
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Kenya
How many years of residence does Kenya require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Kenya (Registration by residence (naturalization)), the term is 7 years. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Kenya allow dual nationality?
Dual nationality permitted since 2010
Can the nationality of Kenya be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Registration by marriage pathway (7 years of marriage). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Kenya require?
The Registration by residence pathway requires: Registration application; Birth certificate; Valid passport and residence permit; Criminal record certificate; Proof of knowledge of Kiswahili; among 2 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Kenya?
Kenya provides 3 pathways: Nationality by birth, Registration by residence, Registration by marriage.
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Anything to correct or add about Kenya?
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