Bill seeks to allow citizenship for Africans in diaspora with Kenyan roots
Applicants must provide proof of Kenyan descent, a clean criminal record, and a genetic genealogy test conducted by Kenyan authorities.
A new Bill before the National Assembly could enable Africans in the diaspora who have Kenyan ancestry to apply for citizenship if it becomes law.
The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced by Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, seeks to simplify the process for individuals with Kenyan roots to acquire citizenship.
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Currently, Kenyan citizenship can only be acquired through birth, registration, or naturalisation.
The Bill proposes a new category of citizenship by ancestry, which would offer a faster pathway for eligible individuals.
According to the Bill, applicants must provide proof of Kenyan descent, a clean criminal record, and a genetic genealogy test conducted by Kenyan authorities.
“A person born outside Kenya who claims Kenyan descent by ancestry may apply for citizenship, subject to providing proof that the person has not been convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to imprisonment for a term exceeding six months,” reads the Bill.
Genetic genealogy testing combines DNA analysis with historical and genealogical records to confirm biological relationships.
Applicants will also need to fulfil additional conditions including demonstrating reasonable financial resources, the ability to make significant contributions to Kenya’s development, and proof of a clean criminal record.
“You must demonstrate that you are able to support yourself and also provide proof that there is something you are going to add to our economy,” Omondi said, adding that these measures aim to prevent criminals from exploiting the provision.
The MP believes the proposed law will boost government income as successful applicants are likely to bring investments into the country.
Kenya’s Constitution currently limits citizenship acquisition by registration to individuals who have been lawfully resident in the country for a continuous period of at least seven years.
Omondi argues this provision is unfair to those with Kenyan ancestry but whose parents were not Kenyan citizens, leaving them disconnected from the country despite their roots.
If the Bill passes, Kenya will become the second African country after Ghana to implement citizenship by ancestry.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has already approved the proposal and it is currently being reviewed by the Budget and Appropriations Committee to determine its financial implications before its formal introduction in the National Assembly.
