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Republic of Kenya Department of Immigration Services

Department of Immigration Services eFNS Foreign Nationals Services
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Citizenship

Children and adopted children

For children of citizens by registration born before the parent became a citizen, and children adopted by Kenyan citizens.

Form 11 Invoice after processing
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Who it is for

Under section 13(3) of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011, a child of a citizen by registration who was born before the parent became a citizen may, on application by the parent or legal guardian, be registered as a citizen on production of:

  • documents conferring Kenyan citizenship on either parent
  • the child’s birth certificate
  • proof of the child’s lawful residence in Kenya

Under section 14, a child who is not a citizen but is adopted by a citizen is entitled, on application by the adopting parent or legal guardian, to be registered as a citizen on production of:

  • proof of the adopting parent’s Kenyan citizenship
  • a valid adoption certificate issued in a reciprocating state or another jurisdiction whose orders and decrees are recognised in Kenya
  • proof of the child’s lawful residence in Kenya

What you need

Have these ready before you apply. Incomplete applications are not accepted.

  • Printed online application Form 11, printed after you complete your application

  • Two passport-size photographs

  • Copy of the birth certificate or local adoption certificate

  • Copy of the parent’s Kenyan passport and certificate of registration

  • Copy of the dependant pass

  • Copy of the parent’s identity card

  • Copy of the applicant’s passport

  • Certificate of good conduct, for children aged 18 and above

  • Copy of your police clearance certificate

Fees

Fee Amount When it is charged
Application fee Once your application is processed KES 20,000 Once your application is processed
Issuance fee When your application is approved KES 100,000 When your application is approved
Storage charge If a certificate is not collected within 3 months of notification KES 2,000 a month If a certificate is not collected within 3 months of notification
Duplicate certificate For a duplicate citizenship certificate KES 5,000 For a duplicate citizenship certificate

Fees are set by the Department and can change: the amount on your invoice is the one that applies. Fees are non-refundable once paid.

How to apply

  1. Step 1: Sign in with eCitizen

    Use your Government of Kenya eCitizen account. If you do not have one yet, registration is free.

    Create an eCitizen account

  2. Step 2: Complete the application

    Fill in Form 11 online, for yourself or on behalf of someone else, and print it when you finish.

  3. Step 3: Pay once it is processed

    An invoice is raised once your application has been processed. Pay it through eCitizen by M-PESA, Airtel Money or card.

  4. Step 4: Present your documents

    Take your printed application and the documents listed above to the immigration office named under “Good to know”.

  5. Step 5: Follow your application

    You receive email and account notifications as your application moves through each stage.

Good to know

  • Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
  • The registration fee is non-refundable.
  • Printed applications must be presented at Immigration headquarters.