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Republic of Kenya Department of Immigration Services

Department of Immigration Services eFNS Foreign Nationals Services
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Citizenship

Widows and widowers

For widows and widowers of Kenyan citizens who would have qualified for citizenship by marriage.

Form 9 Invoice after processing
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Who it is for

Section 12 of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011 provides that:

  • a foreign national who was married to a citizen, and who but for the citizen’s death would have been entitled to register as a citizen after seven years under section 11, is deemed to be lawfully present in Kenya for the rest of the seven years, and may apply to register as a citizen when the seven years expire
  • the conditions for registration in section 11 apply to a widow or widower applying under this section
  • a widow or widower who marries a non-citizen before the seven years expire is not entitled to citizenship by registration under this section

What you need

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

  • Printed online application Form 9, printed after you complete your application

  • Two passport-size photographs

  • Copy of the marriage certificate

  • Copy of your spouse’s death certificate

  • Certificate of good conduct

  • A sworn affidavit

  • Copy of your dependant pass or permit

  • Copy of your passport

  • 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 EAC citizens When your application is approved KES 20,000 When your application is approved
Issuance fee Citizens of other countries When your application is approved KES 50,000 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 9 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.