Kenya to Speed Up Dual Citizenship Applications for Diaspora

• Dec 13, 2024

The Kenyan government has announced plans to fast-track dual citizenship applications for Kenyans living abroad, aiming to strengthen their ties with the country and encourage investment. Principal Secretary (PS) Julius Bitok emphasized that this move will make it easier for Kenyans in the diaspora to engage economically with their homeland while maintaining citizenship in their countries of residence.

The PS highlighted that the new initiative recognizes the significant contribution of the Kenyan diaspora to the country’s economy through remittances and other investments. He stated that simplifying the process of regaining or acquiring Kenyan citizenship for those who have taken up citizenship elsewhere would enable them to participate more actively in national development.

Dual citizenship, reintroduced in Kenya after the 2010 Constitution, allows Kenyans to enjoy full rights of citizenship even after acquiring another nationality. However, the process of applying for dual citizenship has often been seen as lengthy and bureaucratic, discouraging many potential applicants. By speeding up the process, the government hopes to eliminate these barriers and boost both individual and national benefits.

In recent years, diaspora remittances have become one of Kenya’s leading sources of foreign exchange. Streamlining dual citizenship applications is expected to strengthen these contributions by fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging deeper engagement with the country’s development initiatives.

The government’s commitment to enhancing diaspora relations aligns with its broader strategy to capitalize on the global Kenyan community as a resource for economic growth. Simplified access to dual citizenship is part of an ongoing effort to build stronger bridges between Kenyans abroad and their homeland, including initiatives such as enhanced consular services and targeted investment programs.

The move reflects a growing recognition of the diaspora’s role in national development and underscores the government’s intention to create a more inclusive environment for all Kenyans. Officials believe that easing dual citizenship procedures will also promote cultural exchange, allowing those living abroad to maintain stronger connections to their heritage.

This development is seen as a win-win for both the diaspora and Kenya, paving the way for increased investment, innovation, and collaboration. The government has yet to provide specific timelines or procedural changes but has reiterated its commitment to making dual citizenship more accessible to the global Kenyan community.