Kenya’s Game-Changing Bill: Paving the Way for Diaspora Africans to Gain Citizenship by Ancestry

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Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ A groundbreaking legislative proposal could soon pave the way for Africans in the diaspora with Kenyan ancestry to obtain citizenship. The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced by Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, aims to streamline the process for individuals with Kenyan roots to reconnect with their heritage and contribute to the nation’s development.

Current laws restrict Kenyan citizenship acquisition to birth, registration, or naturalization. However, this proposed amendment introduces a novel pathway: citizenship by ancestry. This category would enable eligible applicants to secure citizenship more efficiently by providing evidence of their Kenyan lineage, a clean criminal record, and undergoing genetic genealogy testing overseen by Kenyan authorities.

The bill specifies that individuals born outside Kenya can claim citizenship based on their ancestry if they meet stringent criteria. Applicants must demonstrate that they have not served a sentence exceeding six months for a criminal offense. Additionally, they must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to Kenya’s economic growth.

MP Caroli Omondi emphasized the importance of these safeguards, stating, “You must demonstrate that you are able to support yourself and also provide proof that there is something you are going to add to our economy.” The measures aim to thwart potential exploitation of the provision and guarantee that only individuals with good intentions reap the benefits.

At the heart of the bill is the requirement for genetic genealogy testing, a process that combines DNA analysis with historical and genealogical records to confirm biological relationships. By leveraging this advanced method, Kenya seeks to establish indisputable connections between applicants and their Kenyan heritage.

Proponents of the bill, including Omondi, argue that it addresses a significant gap in current citizenship laws, particularly for descendants of Kenyan ancestry whose parents or grandparents were not citizens. Many such individuals remain disconnected from their cultural roots despite their lineage.

“This amendment will provide a bridge for those who have Kenyan ancestry but have been excluded by the limitations of the current framework,” Omondi said.

If enacted, this legislation would also bolster Kenya’s economy. The MP predicts that successful applicants will bring investments and expertise into the country, contributing to various sectors and creating economic opportunities.

Kenya’s Constitution currently mandates that citizenship by registration is only available to individuals who have lawfully resided in the country for at least seven continuous years. Omondi contends that this clause disproportionately affects diaspora Africans with Kenyan ancestry, leaving them unable to reconnect with their heritage.

Kenya would become the second African nation, after Ghana, to offer citizenship based on ancestry. Ghana’s initiative, launched as part of its “Year of Return” program, has successfully attracted members of the African diaspora eager to reconnect with their roots.

The proposed Kenyan bill has already cleared an important hurdle, receiving approval from National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula. The Budget and Appropriations Committee is currently reviewing it to evaluate its financial implications prior to its formal debate in the National Assembly.

If the bill becomes law, it would not only be a historic milestone for Kenya but also a progressive step in embracing the African diaspora, fostering a sense of unity, and unlocking economic opportunities that benefit both the applicants and the nation.

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