New Legislative Push to Grant Citizenship to Long-Term Stateless Residents

The National Assembly has invited the public to submit views on the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Bill, 2025. This legislative move, documented as National Assembly Bill No. 53, seeks to provide a definitive legal pathway for individuals who have lived in the country for decades without formal recognition.

For many years, groups such as the Shona and various communities from the Great Lakes region have resided in Kenya without identification documents. This lack of status has restricted their access to government services, formal employment, and property ownership. The new proposal aims to bridge this gap by establishing clear criteria for naturalization.

Under the proposed changes, the government intends to streamline the process for foreigners seeking to become Kenyans. The current legal framework at Nyayo House has often been criticized for bureaucratic delays. By amending the existing Act, the Ministry of Interior seeks to create a more transparent system for vetting and approving applications.

The locals have often expressed concerns regarding the integration of stateless populations, but human rights organizations argue that formalizing their status is a constitutional necessity. The bill details specific residency durations and background checks that applicants must satisfy before they are granted national ID cards and passports.

According to the notice issued by the Clerk of the National Assembly, the public participation phase is a critical step in ensuring the law reflects the interests of all stakeholders. Interested parties are expected to submit their memorandums to the parliamentary desks for consideration before the bill proceeds to the second reading.

President Ruto has previously signaled his administration's intent to address the plight of stateless persons as part of a broader human rights agenda. This bill represents the formal legislative vehicle to achieve that goal, potentially ending decades of legal limbo for thousands of residents.

The proposed amendments also touch on the rights of spouses of Kenyan citizens and children born to foreigners on Kenyan soil. If passed, the law will redefine how the Department of Immigration handles long-term residency permits and permanent residency status, aligning the country with international standards on the reduction of statelessness.

Construction industry experts note that regularizing the status of these residents could have secondary effects on the labor market. Many stateless individuals currently work in the informal construction sector, and legal status would allow them to enter formal contracts and contribute to social security schemes.

The deadline for submissions remains tight, as the government seeks to fast-track the legislation to address the backlog of citizenship applications currently pending at the immigration headquarters.