- Out of these, he stated, 808 applications were made to regain Kenya citizenship mainly by the Kenyan living in Diaspora.
- Under the new Constitution, one can be allowed to be a dual citizen.
Image: CYRUS OMBATI
There was a total of 1,698 applications for citizenship that have been pending approval over the last five years, Interior CS Kindiki Kithure has disclosed.
All the applications, Kindiki stated, were pending the determination of the Cabinet secretary.
Out of these, he stated, 808 applications were made to regain Kenya citizenship mainly by Kenyans living in Diaspora who had previously opted to renounce Kenya citizenship.
Under the new Constitution, one can be allowed dual citizenship.
"By January 27, I had approved 1,698 applications for citizenship for the years 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, all which were pending the determination of the cabinet secretary," Kindiki said.
The CS revealed this, Monday when he addressed the press on the achievements made in his 100 days in office.
He noted that some 815 other applications for citizenship which he has since permitted were made by spouses and children of Kenyan citizens.
According to the CS, this will help strengthen the social fabric of Kenyan society by promoting the family unit.
“We are doing our bit to ensure families stay together without inconveniences whatsoever,” he said.
Another 75 applications for registration as citizens by those who have met the legal requirements and made positive contributions to the socio-economic well-being of Kenya have also been accepted.
"I have also signed 19 work permit appeals to allow genuinely skilled individuals to work for various organisations in our country," Kindiki said.
"We shall continue to ensure the process involves strict vetting of the applicants so that only foreigners with special skills are allowed to work in Kenya.”
At the same time, Kindiki said he has directed the Directorate of Immigration Services to ensure decisions all applications for Citizenship, Permanent Residency and Work Permits are processed within 21 days.
“I pledge to convey my determination on all applications, including Appeals within seven days following receipt of the recommendation of the Department,” the CS said.