Quick Answer
People who are not citizens by birth can become citizens by registration — for example, after being married to a Kenyan for a set period, or after lawfully living in Kenya long enough.
Key facts
- Citizenship by registration is for those not citizens by birth.
- Marriage to a citizen for seven years can qualify a person.
- Long lawful residence can also qualify a person.
- Unlike citizenship by birth, it can be revoked on specific grounds.
Who can register
Article 15 allows several categories to apply, including a person who has been married to a citizen for at least seven years, and a person who has been lawfully resident in Kenya for at least seven years — subject to the conditions Parliament sets.
Children and dependants
A child who is adopted by a citizen, and certain other dependent categories, may also be registered as a citizen, so that families are not divided by status.
How it differs from citizenship by birth
Citizenship by registration can be revoked on specific grounds — for example, if it was obtained through fraud, false information or concealment — whereas citizenship by birth cannot. The two statuses are not identical.
Why this matters to you
For spouses, long-term residents and adopted children, registration is the path to full belonging — with the vote, documents and security that citizenship brings.
Frequently asked questions
Who can become a citizen by registration?
People married to a citizen for seven years, long-term lawful residents, adopted children, and other categories the law allows.
Is registered citizenship the same as by birth?
Largely, but registered citizenship can be revoked on specific grounds, unlike citizenship by birth.
Can it be lost?
Yes — on grounds such as fraud or concealment.
Sources & references
- Constitution of Kenya 2010, Articles 15 and 17 — klrc.go.ke
- Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011 — kenyalaw.org