Africans with Kenyan roots to get citizenship if draft law passes
Published: 5/Jan/2025
Source: The Daily Nation (Nairobi)
By Samuel Owino
Africans in the diaspora who claim Kenyan descent by ancestry will be allowed to apply for citizenship if a new Bill before the National Assembly is passed.
The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Bill, 2024 sponsored by Suba South MP Caroli Omondi seeks to enable Africans in the diaspora but with Kenyan roots to acquire citizenship through an expedited process.
Apart from acquisition of citizenship by birth, registration and naturalization as currently provided for in law, the Bill seeks to introduce a fourth category: citizenship by ancestry.
“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 been sentenced to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months,” reads the Bill.
To determine the ancestry of someone applying for citizenship, a genetic genealogy test will be conducted by Kenyan authorities.
Genetic genealogy uses of DNA testing in combination with traditional genealogical and historical records. It involves the use of genealogical DNA together with documentary evidence and family history profiles to determine biological relationships between individuals.
Apart from the test, such persons will also be required to meet other conditions before citizenship is granted.
First, such a person will be required to show proof of reasonable financial resources as may be prescribed in law.
Second, the Bill provides that the individual must provide proof of ability to make a substantial contribution to the development of Kenya.
Third, the person must provide proof that they have not been convicted of a criminal offence and been sentenced to imprisonment for a term exceeding six months.
Read further: https://nation.africa/kenya/news/africans-with-kenyan-roots-to-get-citizenship-if-draft-law-passes-4878626