Gov't to fast-track dual citizenship applications for Kenyans abroad

The government has provided an opportunity for Kenyans abroad, who were forced to renounce their citizenship before the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, to reclaim their identities.

Speaking at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) in Nairobi n Friday, Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said the ministry would fast-track applications for dual citizenship for the affected Kenyans.

The PS said  this would strengthen the connection between Kenyans abroad and their homeland by allowing them to invest more in their country of birth.

“By fast-tracking dual citizenship applications, we are enabling Kenyans abroad to reclaim their identity and contribute to the economic development of our nation,” Bitok noted.

He added that the government was keen on promoting the migration of Kenyans seeking job opportunities abroad while also attracting unique expertise and investments to the country.

“We are also keen on attracting high-net-worth visitors and investors to Kenya through the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system, which will simplify travel and enhance tourism and business opportunities," he pointed out.

He raised concerns that the majority of Kenyans in the Diaspora abandoned their Kenyan citizenship before the 2010 Constitution as a condition for qualifying to apply for other nationalities.

With the 2010 Constitution, Kenyans in the Diaspora can enjoy dual nationality by applying through the eCitizen platform.