Citizenship via adoptive parent (Citizenship by adoption)Citizenship via adoptive parent (Citizenship by adoption)
Eligibility quiz
Were you adopted by someone who is a Kenyan citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for your childBenefits for your child
Kenyan passport and ID
Kenyan citizens are entitled to a Kenyan passport and national identity documents, including a national ID, birth certificate and certificate of registration.
A voter’s card is available where applicable.
A passport has its own validity and renewal rules, separate from citizenship.
If you have another citizenship, you may use either passport to enter or leave Kenya.
Your other passport can be endorsed to show your Kenyan citizenship, so you can use it to enter or leave without a Kenyan visa or permit while you remain a citizen.
Live in Kenya for life
Kenyan citizens can enter and leave Kenya, remain there and live anywhere in the country without immigration permission.
Citizenship has no expiry date and does not need renewing.
Study in Kenya
Kenyan citizens can study in Kenya without a student immigration pass.
School places, qualifications and fees have their own rules.
Work in Kenya
Kenyan citizens can work and run a business in Kenya without a work or business immigration pass.
They can also be appointed to public office if they meet the relevant qualifications.
Some jobs and professions have their own qualifications or licensing rules.
Get help abroad
Kenyan citizens can seek help from Kenyan embassies and consulates when abroad.
Own property in Kenya
Kenyan citizens have the right to own land and other property anywhere in Kenya.
Land and other property rules still apply.
Vote and run for office
Adult Kenyan citizens can register to vote and vote in elections and referendums.
Citizens can also stand for elected office if they meet the qualifications for that office.
How to apply
Applying onlineApplying online
Fill in the application online
As the adopting parent or legal guardian, sign in to eFNS or create an account. Choose “Apply now”, then “Submit Applications” and “Children/Adopted Children”, and fill in Form 11 for your child.
Fill in the formGather your documents
Prepare the documents required for your child’s application.
See required documentsHave the form witnessed
Print your child’s completed Form 11 and have it witnessed by a commissioner for oaths.
Find a commissionerSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I have Kenya citizenship by adoption Form 11 witnessed by a commissioner for oaths?”
Submit your application
Submit your child’s application through your eFNS account.
Submit the applicationPay the fee online
When your child’s invoice appears under “Dashboard” and “Payments”, pay the KSh 20,000 processing fee using the payment option shown. The certificate issuance fee is KSh 100,000; follow the payment instructions for it.
Pay the feeHand in the application
Take your child’s printed application and required documents to the Immigration Counter at Nyayo House in Nairobi. If online payment is unavailable, pay there for processing.
Find the counterSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where do I hand in a Kenya citizenship by adoption application at Nyayo House?”
Wait for the decision
Watch your eFNS account and the email address linked to it for updates on your child’s application. Respond to any requests for more information or documents.
Track the applicationComplete the allegiance oath
If your child’s application is approved, follow the instructions for the oath or affirmation of allegiance. The certificate of registration can then be issued.
Find oath instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I complete the oath of allegiance for a child’s Kenya citizenship by adoption certificate?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Parent's citizenship records
Provide copies of your Kenyan adoptive parent's passport and identity card. If your parent has a certificate of registration as a Kenyan citizen, provide a copy of that too.
Birth or adoption certificate
Provide a copy of your birth certificate or local adoption certificate. You also need a valid adoption certificate issued in a place whose adoption orders are recognised in Kenya.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Report another citizenship
If you hold another citizenship as well as Kenyan citizenship, you must disclose it within three months of becoming a citizen of both countries.
Failure to do so can lead, on conviction, to a fine of up to KSh5 million, up to three years in prison, or both.
Limits on state offices
If you hold another citizenship and are elected or appointed to certain state offices, you generally must give up your other citizenship before taking office.
This does not apply if the law of your other country does not allow you to give it up.
You can still stand for Parliament or county government while holding both citizenships.
Citizenship can be revoked
Citizenship gained by registration can be taken away for reasons including fraud, false statements or hiding an important fact.
You must receive written notice, a chance to respond and reasons for the decision.
You can appeal to the High Court within 30 days and remain lawfully in Kenya while a filed appeal is decided.
Documents issued to a person whose citizenship is revoked become invalid and must be returned.
Revocation does not erase obligations or debts that arose before it.
Giving up citizenship
You can give up Kenyan citizenship.
Giving it up does not erase obligations or debts that arose before you did so.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Kenya immigration matters🇰🇪
English Facebook group for people interested in Kenyan citizenship
Join on Facebookr/Kenya
English Reddit group for people interested in Kenyan local life
Join on RedditStatehouse kenya forum
English Facebook group for people interested in Kenyan local life
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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