How to Apply for Kenyan Citizenship

Let us see How to Apply for Kenyan Citizenship Application for registration as a citizen of Kenya by a spouse of a Kenyan citizen Section 11 of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011 provides for a person who has been married to a citizen of Kenya for a period of at least seven years shall be entitled, on application, in the prescribed manner to be registered as a citizen of Kenya, if

the marriage was solemnized under a system of law recognized in Kenya, whether solemnized in Kenya or outside Kenya;
the applicant has not been declared a prohibited immigrant under this Act or any other law;
the applicant has not been convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment for a term of three years or longer;
the marriage was not entered into for the purpose of acquiring a status or privilege in relation to immigration or citizenship; and
the marriage was subsisting at the time of the application.

How to apply – Apply for Kenyan Citizenship

You need to:

Create a log in account within the Government of Kenya Single Sign On portal
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 Citizenship by Marriage tab. If you are already logged in to eFNS, you can click here to make an application.
After your application is processed, an invoice will be generated which you can see by clicking on “Dashboard” then “Payments” Tab. If you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to make a payment.
If unable to pay using any of the online modes, print your application form by clicking on “Dashboard” then “My Applications” Tab (If you have already logged in eFNS, you can click here to print your application). Present your application with all the requirements at the Immigration Counter at Nyayo House, Nairobi for payments and processing
You shall receive automatic notifications via email and on your online account about the progress of your application

Disclaimer

Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Registration fee is non refundable
Application print-outs must be presented to the Immigration headquaters Apply for Kenyan Citizenship

What are the requirements

A printed online application form 8 (Print the form after completing your application)
2 passport size photographs
Copy of marriage certificate
Certificate of good conduct
A joint sworn affidavit
Copy of dependants pass/permit
Copy of applicant’s passport
Copy of spouses Kenyan passport
Questionnaire for intending applicants (Print the questionnaire after completing your application)
Copy of the Police Clearance Certificate
Copy of Checklist. click here to download

Procedure to Apply for Kenyan Citizenship

Applications are made to the Minister in charge of citizenship.
Submit the duly completed application form and all the necessary documents to Immigration offices in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Eldoret.
Pay the prescribed fee.

Required Documents

Spouses, widows and widowers of Kenya citizens
- Application form duly completed
- Marriage certificate
- Certificate of good conduct
- Proof that the marriage was not entered into for the purpose of acquiring immigration or citizenship status (sworn affidavit)
- Proof that the marriage is subsisting (applicable to spouses)
- Copy of national passport
- Copy of Kenyan passport or identity card of the Kenyan spouse
- Copy of death certificate (applicable to widows and widowers)
- 2 passport size photographs
Lawful residents
- Application form duly completed
- 2 passport size photographs
- Copy of national passport
- Certificate of good conduct
- Copy of the permit held for the last 7 years
- Proof that the applicant is not adjudged bankrupt (personal bank statement)
- Proof of contribution made to the progress or advancement in any area of national development within Kenya or capability to do so
- Applicant must (This last 3 requirements are demonstrated before Citizenship Advisory Committee):
  - Be able to understand and speak Kiswahili or local dialect
  - Have adequate knowledge of Kenya and of duties and rights of citizens as contained in the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act
  - Understand the nature of the application
Children and persons with disabilities
- Application form duly completed
- 2 passport size photographs
- Kenyan passport or identity card of the parent
- Birth certificate
- Immigration pass or permit
- Medical certification (applicable to persons with disabilities)
- Adoption certificate (applicable to adopted children)
- Copy of national passport
Stateless and migrant persons
- 2 passport size photographs
- The applicant should not hold a passport or an identification document of any other country
- The applicant must have adequate knowledge of Kiswahili or a local dialect
- Certificate of good conduct
- The applicant should understand the rights and duties of a citizen
- Proof of continuous residence in Kenya since 12th December 1963
Descendants of stateless and migrant persons
- 2 passport size photographs
- Proof that the parents are stateless or migrants
- The applicant should not hold or have held a passport or an identification document of any other country
- The applicant must be able to understand and speak Kiswahili or a local dialect
- Certificate of good conduct
- The applicant should understand the rights and duties of a citizen

Office Locations & Contacts

Nairobi – Department of Immigration Headquarters

Nyayo House, Ground floor, North Wing,P.O. Box 30191-00100 NairobiTel. +254 020 2222022Fax +254 020 2220731

Mombasa – Coast Regional Office

Uhuru na Kazi Building,P .O. Box 908284 MombasaTel. 041 222676, Fax 041 2222585

Kisumu – Western Regional Office

New Provincial Headquarters,P.O. Box 1128-40100 Kisumu,Tel. 057 2024935, 2025438, 0700 596071Fax 057 2020846

Eldoret – North Rift Regional Office

Public Works building,P. O. Box 6725 Eldoret,Tel. 053 63377 Fax 05363973

Eligibility

Spouses, widows and widowers of Kenya citizens (if the applicant is married for at least 7 years.)
Lawful residents (those who have been ordinarily resident in Kenya for a period of seven years)
Children and persons with disabilities (made for the biological or legally adopted children of Kenyan citizens)
Stateless and migrant persons (persons who voluntarily migrated to Kenya before 12th December,1963 and/or have continuously lived in Kenya)
Descendants of stateless and migrant persons (persons who have attained the age of eighteen years and whose parents had voluntarily migrated to Kenya before 12th December, 1963 and or has continuously lived in Kenya)