Why Kenyans Are Embracing Dual Citizenship – Here’s What You Need to Know

More and more Kenyans are leaving the country for work, studies, or even leisure and the headache always becomes, can one hold citizenship in their adopted homes while remaining a Kenyan citizen?

The answer is yes. According to the Constitution 2010, Kenyans can freely become citizens of any other country provided that country also allows dual citizenship. However, once a Kenyan acquires dual citizenship, they must disclose their other citizenship within 3 months.

It is important to note that despite receiving dual citizenship, a Kenyan citizen by birth does not lose citizenship by acquiring the citizenship of another country.

Holding dual citizenship has several benefits, including free travel in and out of the country. With dual citizenship, Kenyans have easy access to both countries and more depending on the adopted country.

Another crucial benefit of dual citizenship is being free to do business, purchase, and own property in both countries. This allows a Kenyan or any national who becomes a dual citizen the rights to land and property enjoyed by any other Kenyan.

Dual citizens holding Kenyan passports can access over 70 destinations visa-free or with visa-on-arrival, facilitating travel for business, education, or leisure.

Kenyan dual citizens can own land without being subject to the limitations placed on non-citizens by Article 65 of the Constitution, which restricts non-citizens to leasehold land ownership for a maximum of 99 years​.

When it comes to tax, dual citizenship results in tax advantages, particularly as it allows for streamlined tax obligations depending on the individual’s residency status and investment decisions​.

Holding dual citizenship enables individuals to work and engage in economic activities in Kenya while maintaining similar opportunities in their second country of citizenship​

Also, children and dependents of Kenyan citizens may also gain easier access to Kenyan citizenship, benefiting from the same rights and privileges​.

To become a dual citizen, an individual starts by registering through the government platform, eCitizen. Then, access the Directorate of Immigration Services section and complete the required application form.

The application form includes full names, type of citizenship in Kenya, and what other country one is a citizen of. Individuals are also required to indicate what type of citizenship they hold in the other country.

Individuals then add supporting documents, including Kenyan identification (passport and ID card), proof of foreign citizenship (passport or certificate), and a birth certificate. Additional requirements, such as police clearance, may apply. Once submitted, the application is reviewed, and updates are communicated via the eCitizen portal.

Applicants are also required to pay the stipulated processing fees through the platform. Upon approval, the applicant receives documentation affirming their dual citizenship status.

It’s important to note that failing to disclose foreign citizenship in the specified timeframe could lead to penalties.