The Kenyan government allows foreigners to acquire citizenship through registration under a clear legal framework.
Under the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, Chapter Three on Citizenship Section 13(1) of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011, a foreigner who has lawfully lived in Kenya for a sustained period may apply to become a citizen if they meet legal, residency, and character requirements.
Legal Basis for Citizenship by Registration
Section 13(1) of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011 provides that a person who has attained the age of majority and legal capacity, and who has been lawfully resident in Kenya for a continuous period of at least seven years, may apply for registration as a citizen.
The law requires that such residence must be legal, continuous, and supported by valid immigration documentation throughout the perio
Applicant must also have resided in Kenya for at least twelve months immediately preceding the date of application.
Also Read: How to Correct or Change Your Birth Certificate Details in Kenya
Eligibility Requirements For Kenyan Citizenship
An applicant must satisfy several conditions beyond the seven-year residency requirement as required by the Kenyan Constitution.
These requirements include: .
- Has been ordinarily resident in Kenya for a period of seven years immediately preceding the date of application
- Has been resident under the authority of a valid permit or has been exempted by the Cabinet Secretary in accordance with section 34(3)(h) and is not enjoying the privileges and immunities under the Privileges and Immunities Act (Cap. 179)
- Has resided in Kenya throughout the period of twelve months immediately preceding the date of the application
- Has an adequate knowledge of Kenya and of the duties and rights of citizens as contained in the Act
- Is able to understand and speak Kiswahili or a local dialect
- Understands the nature of the application under subsection (1)
- Has not been convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment for a term of three years or longer
- Satisfies the Cabinet Secretary that he or she intends to reside in Kenya after registration
- Has been determined, through objective criteria, and with written justification, that he or she has made or can make a substantive contribution to the progress or advancement in any area of national development within Kenya.
- Is not an adjudged bankrupt
Required Documentation Form 10
Applicants under this category must submit a complete set of documents under Form 10, which must be duly completed and attested by a commissioner for oaths.
The forms are available in Department of Immigration under Electronic Foreign Nationals Service portal (eFNS)
Supporting documents include:
- A printed online application form 10
- 2 passport-size photographs
- Questionnaire
- Permit held for the last 7 years
- Certificate of good conduct
- Letter of proof of contribution made in national development
- Personal bank statement
- Applicant’s passport copy
- Declaration Concerning Residence (Form N)
- Oath of allegiance
- Copy of the Police Clearance Certificate
- Copy of Checklist
Application Process
The application process begins through the Government of Kenya Single Sign-On portal, which provides access to the eFNS.
Applicants must create an account, log in, and select the citizenship application under the lawful residence option.
Once the application is submitted, an invoice is generated through the system dashboard under the payments section.
If online payment is not possible, applicants may print the application and submit it physically at Nyayo House, Nairobi, where immigration processing is carried out.
Applicants receive updates via email and the online portal as the application progresses through stages such as verification, vetting, and approval.
Also Read: How to Correct Name, Date of Birth and Other Errors on a Kenyan Passport
Vetting and Assessment
After submission, applications undergo a detailed vetting process. This includes verification of immigration history, security background checks, financial assessment, and confirmation of continuous lawful residence.
Authorities also assess language ability, civic understanding, and the applicant’s contribution to national development.
Applicants may be required to attend interviews or provide additional documents where necessary. Final approval is granted only after all legal requirements under Section 13(1) are fully satisfied.
Fees and Processing Location
The application fee for citizenship by lawful residence is KSh 20,000, while the issuance fee upon approval is KSh 1,000,000. These fees are non-refundable.
All applications are processed through the Directorate of Immigration Services via the eFNS platform and physically at Nyayo House in Nairobi.
