Conditions that an alien must satisfy before being granted citizenship in Kenya

An alien may become a citizen of Kenya by naturalization or registration.

Naturalization: under section 93 (1) of the Constitution any alien may become a citizen of Kenya by making a formal application to the minister. The minister must be satisfied that the applicant has fulfilled certain minimum conditions: The applicant must:

• Have attained the age of 21.
• Have adequate knowledge of the Kiswahili language.
• Be of good character.
• Intend to continue residing in Kenya if naturalized.
• Have been ordinarily and lawfully residing in Kenya for 12 months on this immediate date before the application.
• Have been ordinarily and lawfully resident in Kenya for a period of 4years or for periods amounting in the aggregate to not less that 4 years during the 7 years. Immediately receding the 12 months above.
• The minister may thereupon grant of applicant a certificate of naturalization.

Registration: An alien may be registered as a citizen of Kenya. Pursuant to a formal application to the minister and must fulfill any of the following conditions:

• A woman married to a citizen of Kenya is entitled to be registered on application. Such application may be made during the lifetime of the husband.
• A citizen of any common wealth country who has been ordinarily and lawfully resident in Kenya for at least 5 years.
• A citizen of any African country which registers, Kenyans as her own citizens, provided the applicant has been ordinarily and lawfully resident in Kenya for at least 5 years.
• Any person born in Kenya before 11.12.1963 where neither parent had been born in Kenya.
• A person born outside Kenya whose mother is a citizen of Kenya.
• The minister may register the applicant as a citizen of Kenya.