A statement by Permanent Secretary for Immigration Julius Bitok on Thursday, November 28, has left Kenyans worried over the citizenship of their children.
The PS explained that all children under 18 years are not Kenyans since a birth certificate is not a certified document to confirm citizenship in the country. According to the PS, only a national identification card certifies someone as a Kenyan.
“A birth certificate is not an entitlement to citizenship. National ID is what entitles one to be a Kenyan citizen,” the PS said.
According to the PS, the law is very clear that all persons born in Kenya are registered at birth and given birth certificate but that is not evidence for citizenship.
Immigration Ps Julius Bitok speaks on Maisha number at the launch event.
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“Citizenship is carried by the National ID that needs to be very clear,” Bitok insisted.
The PS spoke while appearing before the National Assembly’s Committee on Regional Development on Wednesday, November 28, to shed more light on the state of the refugees in the country
According to Kenyan Law, a person can get Kenyan citizenship by birth, registration, or acquisition.
A person is a Kenyan citizen by birth if on the day of their birth, whether or not they are born in Kenya, either their mother or father is a Kenyan citizen.
Also, a child found in Kenya who is or appears to be less than eight years of age and whose nationality and parents are not known is presumed to be a citizen of Kenya by birth.
It is important to note that a person who is a Kenyan citizen by birth and who has ceased to be a Kenyan citizen because they acquired citizenship of another country is entitled upon application to regain Kenyan citizenship.
The PS requested the Ministry of Interior for enhanced government funding to address growing challenges in managing refugee affairs in the country.
The plea was made in light of ongoing concerns that the Department of Refugee Services (DRS) is facing severe budget constraints, which are hampering its ability to effectively manage the growing refugee population.
A sample of Birth Certificate
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