FIGHTING STATELESSNESS

FIGHTING STATELESSNESS Definition: Under international law, a stateless person is someone who is not recognized as a national by any country under the operation of its laws. Kenya's Progress in Ending Statelessness The Kenyan Government has taken significant steps to reduce statelessness by: Granting Kenyan citizenship to formerly stateless communities, including the Makonde, Shona, and Pemba. Committing to finalize the National Action Plan to Eradicate Statelessness and implement legal reforms in partnership with the UNHCR. Removing the long-standing vetting process for ethnic Somalis and related communities in northeastern Kenya, making it easier to obtain National Identity Cards. Continuing to review laws and policies to address emerging citizenship challenges. Did You Know? Children of Mixed Unions: A child born to one Kenyan citizen and one refugee or foreign parent is entitled to Kenyan citizenship by birth, regardless of where the child is born. Children of Non-Citizen Parents: A child born in Kenya to two refugee or foreign parents does not automatically become a Kenyan citizen. The child normally acquires the nationality of the parents but may later qualify for Kenyan citizenship through registration or naturalization under the law. Foundlings: A child under eight years of age found in Kenya whose parents and nationality are unknown is presumed to be a Kenyan citizen by birth. How Individuals and Local Organizations Can Help Ensure every child is registered at birth and receives a birth certificate as early as possible. Keep birth certificates, identity cards, and other registration documents safely, with both physical and digital copies. Seek assistance from Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs, and registration officers where documentation is missing or delayed. Educate parents and communities about the importance of birth registration and national identification. Help families understand registration procedures and connect them with the relevant government offices. Support vulnerable families with transport or other assistance to complete registration processes. Help applicants gather the required documents and refer complex cases to legal aid organizations. Assist older persons and persons with disabilities to obtain essential identity documents. Expand access to education and skills training so people understand their rights and responsibilities. Promote employment, business opportunities, and poverty reduction, enabling people to obtain and maintain legal documentation. Support displaced persons and refugees by helping them understand their legal rights and available services. Promote peace and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, since conflict, displacement, and war are major causes of statelessness. Ending statelessness is a shared responsibility. Through timely registration, legal documentation, public awareness, and peaceful communities, we can help ensure that every person has a legal identity, equal protection under the law, and full access to opportunities and public services. By Elijah Mutua Kirima. Trained Social Worker, Social Work Department THE WORD OF GOD IS THE WILL OF GOD July 9, 2026