Article 15. Citizenship by registration
Official Constitutional Text
15. (1) A person who has been married to a citizen for a period of at least seven years is entitled on application to be registered as a citizen.
(2) A person who has been lawfully resident in Kenya for a continuous period of at least seven years, and who satisfies the conditions prescribed by an Act of Parliament, may apply to be registered as a citizen.
(3) A child who is not a citizen, but is adopted by a citizen, is entitled on application to be registered as a citizen.
(4) Parliament shall enact legislation establishing conditions on which citizenship may be granted to individuals who are citizens of other countries.
(5) This Article applies to a person as from the effective date, but any requirements that must be satisfied before the person is entitled to be registered as a citizen shall be regarded as having been satisfied irrespective of whether the person satisfied them before or after the effective date, or partially before, and partially after, the effective date.
Plain English Explanation
This is a simplified summary to explain this article in clear language. It is not the legal text of the Constitution.
Article 15 of the Kenyan Constitution allows for citizenship by registration for individuals married to citizens for at least seven years, legally adopted children of citizens, and those with continuous lawful residency for seven years. The provisions allow for satisfaction of requirements both before and after the 2010 effective date. For detailed information on the application process, visit the Directorate of Immigration Services website.