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Republic of Kenya Department of Immigration Services

Department of Immigration Services eFNS Foreign Nationals Services
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Citizenship

Lawful residents

For adults who have lived in Kenya lawfully for at least seven continuous years.

Form 10 Invoice after processing
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Who it is for

Under section 13(1) of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011, an adult of full capacity who has been lawfully resident in Kenya for a continuous period of at least seven years may apply to be registered as a citizen if they:

  • have been ordinarily resident in Kenya for the seven years immediately before the application
  • have been resident under a valid permit, or have been exempted by the Cabinet Secretary under section 34(3)(h), and do not enjoy privileges and immunities under the Privileges and Immunities Act (Cap. 179)
  • have lived in Kenya throughout the twelve months immediately before the application
  • have an adequate knowledge of Kenya and of the duties and rights of citizens under the Act
  • can understand and speak Kiswahili or a local dialect
  • understand the nature of the application
  • have not been convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment for three years or longer
  • satisfy the Cabinet Secretary that they intend to live in Kenya after registration
  • have been determined, through objective criteria justified in writing, to have made or to be capable of making a substantive contribution to national development in Kenya
  • are not an adjudged bankrupt

What you need

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

  • Printed online application Form 10, printed after you complete your application

  • Two passport-size photographs

  • Questionnaire, printed after you complete your application

  • Permits held for the last seven years

  • Certificate of good conduct

  • Letter of proof of your contribution to national development

  • Personal bank statement

  • Copy of your passport

  • Declaration concerning residence (Form N)

  • Oath of allegiance

  • 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 1,000,000 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 10 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.