At least 25,000 people who had to renounce their dual citizenship status after the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution will now get it back.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i in a statement Wednesday said the government has opened a new window for them to reapply under the rapid results initiative programme (RRI).
“Some 25,000 Kenyans holding dual citizenship lost their Kenyan citizenship based on the repealed constitution, but over 5,000 of them have already applied to regain it as required by the law,” he stated during the launch of the 60-day RRI programme.
The RRI programme will clear the backlog on all application made and issue necessary documents.
“The RRI programme will start on 2nd June 2021 and run for two months ending on 31st July 2021.”
The Interior CS said that a special team has been formed to fast track the whole process.
“We have already set efficient systems in place and written to the attorney-general requesting him to engage Parliament with a view to amending the act and streamline the process even further,” he added.
After the lapse of the 60-day programme the government will still allow more applications to be made.
The Ministry said that this will go a long way in uniting families whose spouses lost their citizenship at the time.
Under the RRI programme, stateless people living in Kenya will get a national identity card and a passport upon application.
Other benefiting applications are for permanent residence for spouses, children, and widows and widowers of citizens of Kenya.
Foreign investors will also acquire permanent residence permits.
