Kenyans Can Now Apply For Dual Citizenship

Kenyans can now officially begin applying for dual citizenship as provided for in the constitution.

Immigration Minister Otieno Kajwang’ said Kenyans living abroad and wishing to have dual citizenship should apply afresh to regain their lost birthright.

He said that his ministry had already supplied application forms in various embassies and at the headquarters for members of the public to apply noting that upon application, the process only takes one day.

"We have already started using the new immigration laws. If you lost your birthright, you can now       apply and we will give you a dual citizenship," said Kajwang’.

Kajwang’ said that while Kenyans will enjoy dual citizenship, they cannot be offered some jobs especially in the civil service.

The Minister made the remarks when he unveiled a new staff bus for the ministry in Nairobi on Tuesday.

Kajwang’ said the bus bought at a cost of Sh4.2 million will be used to ferry staff members who work late to avoid incidents of being robbed late in the night.

The Immigration boss hinted that Kenyans would go to the next General Election whether in December or March next year with the second generation Identity Cards adding that the new smart cards will be launched next year.

The new electronic identity cards will be equipped with a microchip containing the holder’s details to make it hard for counterfeiters who have been producing fake ones, especially for non-Kenyans.

"We expect to start the process of the new identity cards as from January. We will go into the general election with the second generation cards," added Kajwang’.

Already treasury has allocated Sh300 million in the supplementary budget for the production of the second generation Identity cards.

He added that a total of two million cards had been processed between August last year and March this year and expressed optimism that five million cards will be realised.

Kajwang’ cited that the law requires that as soon as a person reaches age 18, the immigration department should give the individual the card without any delay adding that those who will clock 18 years on election date will not be able to exercise their democratic right.

Source