The regaining of Kenyan citizenship is only limited to those who had acquired their Kenyan citizenship by birth. An individual is considered a citizen by birth if they were born in Kenya or either of their parents is a Kenyan citizen.

A person may also assume this type of citizenship if they were found in Kenya, were below the age of 8 and their nationality and parents could not be ascertained. If a person falls into any of these categories, then they may apply to regain their Kenyan citizenship.

In the previous constitutional dispensation, dual citizenship was not allowed. This meant that if a person acquired citizenship in another country, then their Kenyan citizenship was revoked so that they can take up the other. This has since changed and those who lost their citizenship can regain it. Article 14(5) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 states that, “A person who is a Kenyan citizen by birth and who has ceased to be a Kenyan citizen because the person acquired citizenship of another country, is entitled on application to regain Kenyan citizenship.”

Procedure of regaining Kenyan citizenship

The Department of Immigration Services has provided the procedure which one is to follow to regain their citizenship as follows;

• Create a log in account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign On portal (e-citizen)
• Log in using the account you have created above to access eFNS portal
• Once logged in the eFNS portal, select the “Apply now” Link
• Click on the “Submit Applications” tab and select the Regaining tab.
• After your application is processed, an invoice will be generated which you can see by clicking on “Dashboard” then “Payments” Tab.
• If unable to pay using any of the online modes, print your application form by clicking on “Dashboard” then “My Applications” Tab.
•  Present your application with all the requirements at the Immigration Counter at Nyayo House, Nairobi for payments and processing

The applicant shall receive automatic notifications via email and on their online account about the progress of their application.

Documents needed for application;

To successfully make this application, you need the following documents and Kshs 5,000;

1. Duly completed application form (1)
2. 2 passport size photographs
3. Copies of Kenyan ID
4. Copy of Kenyan passport
5. Copy of the other country’s passport  
6. Copy of the other country’s citizenship certificate
7. Copy of a Police Clearance certificate

Retaining a lawyer for this application may be beneficial to ensure a smooth process with low chances of errors because any mistake in the application process will lead to a rejection.