In Kenya, when it comes to immigration various departments have been established Constitutionally and through legislation to carry out prescribed functions to ensure immigration laws are observed so as to enhance national security interests and most importantly safeguard the right to citizenship- the rights, privileges and benefits.
One of the key legislations is the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011 which has been developed to implement Chapter three of the Constitution on Citizenship. The legislation and policies on immigration have broad mandates. The migration department is empowered by these legislation and policies to regulate and control the entry and exit of both aliens and nationals of Kenya.
The directorate of immigration service under the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Affair is an institution that is charged with various responsibilities of ensuring people have the necessary documents for entry and exit from the country.
It is an agency that is involved in immigration process and it is headed by a director.
The director of immigration plays a key role when it comes to immigration and citizenship.
- He advises the cabinet secretary of interior and coordination on issues surrounding issuance and loss of citizenship.
- Issues passports and other travel documents
- Designates ports and points of entry and exit.
- Manages the border.
- Controls and regulates residency.
- Advises the cabinet secretary on declaration and removal of prohibited immigrants and undesirable persons.
- Advices the service on citizenship and immigration matters.
- Conducts research, collection and analysis of data and management of records.
- Performs every function directed by the service.
The immigration department is further empowered with the responsibility of: prescribing procedures by which a person may become a citizen; providing for the status of permanent residents; providing for voluntary renunciation (abandonment) of citizenship; providing procedures for revocation of citizenship; and prescribing duties and rights of citizens.