Chapter 3: CITIZENSHIP

Article 13. Retention and acquisition of citizenship

Navigate this chapter (7 articles)

• 12. Entitlements of citizens
• 13. Retention and acquisition of citizenship (current)
• 14. Citizenship by birth
• 15. Citizenship by registration
• 16. Dual citizenship
• 17. Revocation of citizenship
• 18. Legislation on citizenship

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In this Chapter

Official Constitutional Text

13. (1) Every person who was a citizen immediately before the effective date retains the same citizenship status as of that date.

(2) Citizenship may be acquired by birth or registration.

(3) Citizenship is not lost through marriage or the dissolution of marriage.

Plain English Explanation

This is a simplified summary to explain this article in clear language. It is not the legal text of the Constitution.

Citizenship is retained automatically for those who held it prior to 27 August 2010, with citizenship acquired only through birth or registration. Additionally, Kenyan citizenship is protected and maintained regardless of changes to marital status, including marriage to a foreign national or the dissolution of a marriage.