Silverio Omari
The government has opened the door for Kenyans living abroad, who were compelled to renounce their citizenship prior to the enactment of the 2010 Constitution, to reclaim their identity.
Speaking at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on Friday, Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok announced plans to expedite dual citizenship applications for those affected.
“This initiative strengthens the bond between Kenyans abroad and their homeland, enabling them to invest more in their country of birth,” said PS Bitok. “By fast-tracking these applications, we’re empowering Kenyans in the Diaspora to reclaim their identity and contribute to the nation’s economic development.”
Bitok emphasized the government’s commitment to facilitating migration for Kenyans seeking employment opportunities abroad while simultaneously attracting specialized skills and investments to Kenya.
Additionally, he highlighted the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system, designed to simplify travel and boost tourism and business. “The eTA system will make it easier for high-net-worth visitors and investors to access Kenya, enhancing economic opportunities,” he noted.
The PS expressed concern over the significant number of Kenyans who forfeited their citizenship before 2010 to acquire other nationalities. However, he reassured that the current Constitution now allows Kenyans in the Diaspora to regain dual nationality through the eCitizen platform.
Dj Vnyash
