Kenyans living abroad can breathe a sigh of relief after the government, through the Ministry of Interior, promised to hasten the issuance of dual citizenship.
Speaking on Friday, December 13, Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok announced plans to fast-track dual citizenship for Kenyans living abroad who had lost their citizenship under the old constitution.
According to PS Bitok, the move would ensure that Kenyans living in foreign countries were able to seamlessly conduct their transactions and invest back in the country.
Bitok said while presiding over the 'Step up 4 safe Migration' walk at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). The ‘Step up 4 Safe Migration’ is a celebration for International Migrants Day that takes place every year in advocacy for safe, easy, efficient and orderly migration between nations.
"The State Department has committed to fast-tracking dual citizenship for Kenyans living abroad who had lost their citizenship under the old constitution to enable them to freely transact and invest back in the country," Bitok said.
“Migration allows for diversity in culture and promotes business interactions and growth. Kenya boasts itself as a promoter of safe and efficient migration through its Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA),” he added.
According to the 2010 Constitution, dual citizenship is permissible and Kenyan citizens who have acquired other nationalities are required to disclose their other citizenship within 3 months of becoming a dual citizen.
The constitution further allows the regaining of one's citizenship by a person who was a citizen of Kenya by birth and who ceased to be a citizen of Kenya because they acquired the citizenship of another country before August 27, 2010.
Those who lost citizenship after the promulgation of the 2010 constitution are not allowed to apply for a new Kenyan Identity Card or a passport until they regain their Kenyan citizenship.
When applying for dual citizenship, it is important to note that the process may take some time. Additionally, the applicant is required to provide certain documents such as a birth certificate, passport, and ID card.
Kenyans who seek to apply for dual citizenship are required to pay an application fee of Ksh20,000 and an issuance fee of Ksh10,000.
Bitok's latest announcement comes amidst incoming United States President Donald Trump's plan for mass deportation including Kenyans illegally residing in America.
