Many foreign nationals have spent years in Kenya with a Kenyan spouse, raised Kenyan children, and still renew permits or passes every year.

The Constitution offers them a route to citizenship. It is not automatic, and applications are often delayed or refused because of missing documents.

What does the law say?

Article 15(1) of the Constitution of Kenya provides that a person who has been married to a citizen for at least seven years is entitled, on application, to be registered as a citizen.

Under section 11 of KCIA, an applicant must show that:

1. They have been married to a Kenyan citizen for at least seven years

2. The marriage was solemnised under a system of law recognised in Kenya, whether in Kenya or abroad

3. They have not been declared a prohibited immigrant under the KCIA or any other law;

4. They have not been convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment for three years or more

5. The marriage was not entered into to obtain an immigration or citizenship status or privilege; and

6. The marriage still subsists at the time of the application.