National ID, Not Birth Certificate, Proves Kenyan Citizenship – PS Bitok.
A statement made by Permanent Secretary for Immigration Julius Bitok on Thursday, November 28, has raised concerns among Kenyans about the citizenship status of their children.
The PS clarified that children under 18 years old are not recognized as Kenyan citizens, as a birth certificate does not serve as proof of citizenship. He emphasized that only a national identification card confirms one’s citizenship in Kenya.
Bitok explained that while all persons born in Kenya are registered at birth and issued birth certificates, this document does not guarantee citizenship. He asserted that the law clearly states that citizenship is only confirmed by possession of a National ID.
Addressing the National Assembly’s Committee on Regional Development, he reiterated that the distinction must be well understood.
Citizenship Laws in Kenya
Kenyan law outlines three pathways to citizenship: by birth, registration, or acquisition. A person is considered a citizen by birth if, at the time of their birth, either their mother or father is a Kenyan citizen, regardless of the birthplace.
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Additionally, children under eight years old found in Kenya, whose parents and nationality are unknown, are presumed to be citizens by birth.
The law also provides a pathway for individuals who were citizens by birth but lost their status after acquiring another country’s citizenship. Such individuals can regain Kenyan citizenship through application.
Funding Challenges in Refugee Management
In the same forum, the PS urged the Ministry of Interior to increase government funding for refugee management.
He highlighted severe budget constraints faced by the Department of Refugee Services (DRS), which have hindered effective management of the growing refugee population.
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Bitok called for urgent measures to address these challenges, stressing the importance of adequately supporting refugee affairs.
National ID, Not Birth Certificate, Proves Kenyan Citizenship – PS Bitok.
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