This chapter explains who a Kenyan citizen is, what citizenship entitles a person to, and how citizenship may be retained, acquired, or revoked.
In the classroom: Chapter Three covers Articles 12–18. Citizenship may be acquired by birth or registration; dual citizenship is protected for citizens by birth (Article 16); Parliament must legislate on citizenship (Article 18).
Key constitutional statements
- Article 12
- Every citizen is entitled to the rights, privileges, and benefits of citizenship, including a Kenyan passport and related identity documents, subject to law.
- Article 13
- Pre-2010 citizens retain citizenship; citizenship may be acquired by birth or registration.
- Article 14
- Citizenship by birth where a parent is a citizen; further provision for foundlings and related matters as prescribed by law.
- Article 15
- Citizenship by registration for spouses, long-term residents, adopted children, and other cases as prescribed by law.
- Article 16
- A citizen by birth does not lose citizenship by acquiring the citizenship of another country.
- Articles 17–18
- Revocation of citizenship acquired by registration in defined cases; Parliament shall enact legislation on citizenship.