Consular · Dual citizenship

Kenyan and Canadian dual citizenship Becoming Canadian? You can stay Kenyan.

Kenya's 2010 Constitution allows dual citizenship. But you have to tell Kenya when you take another citizenship, and the steps depend on when you became Canadian.

Last checked October 20, 2026. Rules change, so confirm on the linked page before you go or pay anything. Soma kwa Kiswahili.

1. Which one applies to you

Became Canadian on or after August 27, 2010

You are still Kenyan. You must declare your dual citizenship right away.

Fee: CAD $320.

Became Canadian before August 27, 2010

You lost Kenyan citizenship under the old constitution, but you can apply to regain it.

Fee: CAD $750.

Born on or after August 27, 1987? The High Commission's passport page asks for proof of regained citizenship only from people born before August 27, 1987 who took another citizenship before August 27, 2010.

If you were born on or after that date and became Canadian before 2010, for example as a child, ask the High Commission which step applies to you before you pay $750.

You may need this done before you can renew your Kenyan passport. See our passport guide.

2. Declaring dual citizenship

Create an account on Kenya's immigration system, fns.immigration.go.ke, apply to declare dual citizenship, and print the forms.
Fill in two sets of the declaration form and have them notarised by a commissioner of oaths.
Send them by courier with:
- Two copies of proof of Canadian citizenship: your Canadian passport photo page and your citizenship certificate or card
- Two copies of proof of Kenyan citizenship: your Kenyan passport, birth certificate and ID
- If your name is different on your Canadian and Kenyan documents: proof of the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree or Kenyan deed poll
- A CAD $320 money order or cashier's cheque

You'll receive an acknowledgement letter. The High Commission says to keep it for your records.

3. Regaining Kenyan citizenship

Apply online at fns.immigration.go.ke to regain citizenship (Form 5) and to declare dual nationality, and print the forms.
Fill in two copies of each and have the declaration notarised by a commissioner of oaths.
Send them with:
- Two copies of proof of your previous Kenyan citizenship (passport, birth certificate, ID)
- Two copies of proof of Canadian citizenship
- A CAD $750 money order

4. Your children

Under Kenya's Constitution, a person is Kenyan by birth if either parent was a Kenyan citizen at the time of their birth, wherever they were born.

Children born in Canada still need their birth registered with Kenya. See children born in Canada.
If they travel on a Canadian passport, check the Kenya eTA.

5. Payment and return

Mail to: Kenya High Commission, 415 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa, ON K1N 6R4. Send it by courier.
How to pay: To declare: a money order or cashier's cheque. To regain: a money order, payable to "Kenya High Commission". Bring or send the exact amount: fees aren't refunded.
Return envelope: Include a prepaid, self-addressed Canada Post Xpresspost envelope with a tracking number. Other couriers need a computer-generated label.
Questions: +1 613-563-1773 · balozi@kenyahighcommission.ca · Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern

An incomplete application is sent back to you, so check every item on the list before you mail it.

Source: Kenya High Commission, "Kenya citizenship"

Quick answers

Do I lose my Kenyan citizenship if I become Canadian?

Not if you became Canadian on or after August 27, 2010. Kenya's 2010 Constitution allows dual citizenship, so you are still Kenyan, but you must declare your dual citizenship right away. The fee is CAD $320. If you became Canadian before that date, you lost Kenyan citizenship under the old constitution, but you can apply to regain it. The High Commission says this applies to people born before August 27, 1987; if you were born on or after that date, ask the High Commission which step applies before you pay.

How do I declare dual citizenship with Kenya from Canada?

Apply on Kenya's immigration system, fns.immigration.go.ke, and print the forms. Fill in two sets of the declaration form and have them notarised by a commissioner of oaths. Send them by courier to the High Commission in Ottawa with two copies of proof of your Canadian and Kenyan citizenship and a CAD $320 money order or cashier's cheque.

How much does it cost to regain Kenyan citizenship?

Regaining Kenyan citizenship costs CAD $750, paid by money order. It is for people who became Canadian before August 27, 2010; the High Commission says the requirement applies to those born before August 27, 1987. You apply online at fns.immigration.go.ke (Form 5 and the dual nationality declaration), have the declaration notarised, and send two copies of each with proof of your previous Kenyan citizenship and your Canadian citizenship.

Is my child born in Canada a Kenyan citizen?

Under Kenya's Constitution, a person is Kenyan by birth if either parent was a Kenyan citizen at the time of their birth, wherever they were born. Children born in Canada still need their birth registered with Kenya. If they travel on a Canadian passport, check the Kenya eTA. This is not legal advice.

Wakenyatbay is not part of the Kenya High Commission, and this is not legal advice. For anything unusual, ask the High Commission directly.

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