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STC 16 / 2025: GROUP THREE ASSIGNMENT UNIT TITLE: LAW Assignment: Explain the process of renouncing Kenyan Citizenship in order to acquire dual citizenship Role Member Chairperson CIP Richard Cherotich Vice-Chairperson CIP Pauline Karue Group Whip CIP Samson Magal Treasurer CIP Onesmus Manga Vice-Secretary CIP Michaell Kamau Secretary CIP Peter Makesen Member CIP Mwenda Mbaaubu Member CIP Catherine Kinoti Member CIP Jacob Kipkorir Member CIP Joel Bett In Kenya, you do not need to renounce your citizenship to acquire dual citizenship. The Constitution of Kenya (2010) explicitly allows Kenyans to hold dual nationality. Renunciation only applies if you voluntarily wish to give up Kenyan citizenship, not as a requirement for dual citizenship. 🔑 Key Points Dual Citizenship is permitted: Article 16 of the Constitution of Kenya (2010) states that “A citizen by birth does not lose citizenship by acquiring the citizenship of another country.” Renunciation is voluntary: You may renounce Kenyan citizenship if you no longer wish to be recognized as Kenyan, but it is not required to hold another nationality. Reacquisition is possible: If you renounce, you can later apply to regain Kenyan citizenship under Article 14(5) of the Constitution. 📜 Process of Renouncing Kenyan Citizenship If you decide to renounce Kenyan citizenship, the procedure is governed by the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011: Eligibility You must already hold another nationality (Kenya does not allow statelessness). Renunciation is not accepted if it would leave you without any citizenship. Application Submit a formal declaration of renunciation to the Director of Immigration Services. The application must include proof of your other nationality (passport or certificate of naturalization). Documentation Required Completed renunciation form (available from Immigration offices). Kenyan passport and national ID card (to be surrendered). Proof of foreign citizenship. Payment of prescribed fees. Approval & Registration The Cabinet Secretary for Interior reviews the application. If approved, your renunciation is registered, and you cease to be a Kenyan citizen. Reacquisition (Optional) If you later wish to regain Kenyan citizenship, you can apply for re-registration under Section 10 of the Act. ⚖️ Important Notes Dual citizenship is automatic if you acquire another nationality; no need to renounce Kenyan citizenship. Renunciation is irreversible unless you reapply for reacquisition. Children born abroad to Kenyan parents automatically acquire Kenyan citizenship by birth, even if they hold another nationality. 👉 Peter, since you’re methodical and interested in Kenyan law, the key takeaway is that dual citizenship is fully recognized in Kenya. Renunciation is only for those who choose to give up Kenyan nationality, not for those seeking to hold two passports. Would you like me to break down the exact legal sections (Articles and Clauses) of the Constitution and the Citizenship Act that govern this, so you can see the precise legal wording? Dual citizenship is fully permitted under Kenyan law, and renunciation is only required if you voluntarily wish to give up Kenyan citizenship. Here's a breakdown of the legal provisions and procedures involved: 🇰🇪 Dual Citizenship in the Constitution of Kenya (2010) Article 16: “A citizen by birth does not lose citizenship by acquiring the citizenship of another country.” This means Kenyans by birth can freely acquire another nationality without renouncing their Kenyan citizenship Kenya Law Reform Commission (KLRC). Article 78(2): Restricts dual citizenship for certain state officers unless they renounce the foreign citizenship. This applies only to specific public offices like the President, Cabinet Secretaries, and Judges Citizenship Rights in Africa Initiative. Article 14(5): Allows a person who was a Kenyan citizen by birth but ceased to be one to apply for reacquisition of citizenship new.kenyalaw.org. 📜 Renunciation under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011 If you choose to renounce Kenyan citizenship, the process is governed by Section 19(1) of the Act: “Where a Kenyan citizen by birth voluntarily makes a declaration of renunciation of Kenyan citizenship, in the prescribed manner, the Cabinet Secretary shall cause the declaration to be registered.” Kenya Foreign Nationals Service Portal ✅ Steps to Renounce Kenyan Citizenship Create an account on the eFNS portal (Government of Kenya Single Sign-On). Log in and select the “Voluntary Renunciation” application under the “Submit Applications” tab. Upload required documents: Kenyan passport and ID card (to be surrendered). Proof of foreign citizenship (passport or certificate). Pay the prescribed fee via the portal. Await approval from the Cabinet Secretary. Once registered, you officially cease to be a Kenyan citizen Kenya Foreign Nationals Service Portal WikiProcedure. 🔁 Reacquiring Kenyan Citizenship If you later wish to regain Kenyan citizenship: Apply under Section 10 of the Act. You must prove you were a Kenyan citizen by birth. The reacquisition restores all rights and obligations of citizenship new.kenyalaw.org. 🧭 Summary for Peter You do not need to renounce Kenyan citizenship to hold another nationality. Renunciation is voluntary and only applies if you no longer wish to be Kenyan. If you renounce, you can reapply to reacquire citizenship later. Would you like a side-by-side comparison of the renunciation vs reacquisition process, or a checklist you can use if you ever decide to go through it? Sources: Kenya Law Reform Commission (KLRC) new.kenyalaw.org Citizenship Rights in Africa Initiative Kenya Foreign Nationals Service Portal new.kenyalaw.org WikiProcedure