Best Citizenship by Investment Lawyers in Vihiga

About Citizenship by Investment Law in Vihiga, Kenya

Kenya does not offer citizenship by investment. There is no lawful program that grants Kenyan citizenship in exchange for investing money, purchasing property, or making a government donation. Any claim that you can buy a Kenyan passport or citizenship is false and likely fraudulent.

Citizenship in Kenya is governed nationally and applies equally in Vihiga County and everywhere else in the country. Under the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act 2011, citizenship is generally acquired by birth, by registration in specific cases such as marriage to a Kenyan citizen or for persons with Kenyan ancestry, or by naturalisation after a qualifying period of lawful residence and other conditions. Investment can help you obtain certain residence and work permits, such as an investor permit, but investment alone does not create a path to automatic citizenship.

If you reside in Vihiga, your applications for permits, permanent residence, and citizenship are processed by national authorities. You can file and track most applications through the eCitizen system and at regional Huduma Centres or Immigration offices that serve Western Kenya.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Even though Kenya has no citizenship by investment route, investors and families often need legal help to plan a compliant pathway from entry and residence to permanent residence and, where eligible, citizenship by registration or naturalisation. A lawyer can help you assess eligibility, choose the correct permit class, and avoid costly mistakes.

Common situations where legal help is valuable include preparing and filing investor Class G work permit applications, registering a company and structuring ownership in compliance with sector rules, documenting lawful residence over multiple years for future permanent residence or naturalisation, advising on dual citizenship, renunciation, and regaining Kenyan citizenship, adding spouses and dependent children as permit dependants and later planning for their independent status, appealing a refused permit or citizenship application within statutory time limits, complying with anti-money laundering checks and proving source of funds, addressing criminal record or overstays and regularising status, purchasing or leasing land in Vihiga in compliance with restrictions on non-citizens and obtaining Land Control Board consent where required, and coordinating tax registrations and compliance with the Kenya Revenue Authority when setting up a business or making an investment.

Local Laws Overview

Constitution of Kenya 2010 - Citizenship is set out in Articles that allow citizenship by birth, registration, and naturalisation. Dual citizenship is permitted. There is no provision for citizenship by investment.

Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act 2011 and Regulations 2012 - These laws create the framework for entry permits, permanent residence, and citizenship by registration or naturalisation. Naturalisation generally requires at least seven years of lawful residence, good character, knowledge of Kiswahili or a local language, and an intention to continue residing in Kenya. A spouse of a Kenyan citizen may apply for citizenship by registration subject to statutory conditions.

Investor and other permit classes - Investors usually apply for a Class G permit, which requires setting up or joining a business in Kenya and demonstrating sufficient capital and a viable business plan. Other classes cover employment, specific professions, and self-sponsored retirees. Permits are national in scope even if your business operates in Vihiga.

Permanent residence - Separate from work permits, permanent residence may be available after long lawful residence and satisfaction of statutory criteria. It does not arise automatically from investment.

Company and investment laws - The Companies Act 2015 governs incorporation. The Investment Promotion Act establishes the Kenya Investment Authority, which facilitates qualifying investments and may issue investment certificates. These instruments do not grant immigration status but can support an investor permit application.

Land and property rules - Non-citizens and foreign-owned companies can hold land only on leasehold tenure, typically up to 99 years, subject to the Constitution and land statutes. Transactions in agricultural land often require Land Control Board consent. In Vihiga, you must also comply with county planning approvals and land rates.

Tax and compliance - Investors must obtain a KRA PIN, register for applicable taxes, and keep proper accounts. Anti-money laundering laws require proof of source of funds and customer due diligence for significant transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Kenya offer citizenship by investment?

No. Kenya does not have any citizenship by investment program. You cannot lawfully buy Kenyan citizenship or a passport by investing money. Be cautious of anyone who claims otherwise.

Can I obtain permanent residence or citizenship by investing in a business in Vihiga?

Investment may help you qualify for an investor work permit and lawfully reside in Kenya, but it does not by itself lead to permanent residence or citizenship. Permanent residence and naturalisation have separate eligibility criteria, including years of lawful residence and other statutory conditions.

What is a Class G investor permit and what are typical requirements?

A Class G permit allows a foreign national to engage in a specified business in Kenya. Typical requirements include proof of capital for the enterprise, a viable business plan, company registration documents, tax registration, bank statements, and evidence that the business will operate lawfully and create economic value. The authorities commonly expect proof of funds of at least USD 100,000 or equivalent, but exact documentation is set by regulation and policy.

How long must I live in Kenya before I can apply for citizenship by naturalisation?

Naturalisation generally requires at least seven years of lawful residence along with other requirements such as good character, knowledge of Kiswahili or a local language, and an intention to continue residing in Kenya. Meeting the residence threshold alone is not enough.

Does Kenya allow dual citizenship?

Yes. Kenya permits dual citizenship. Kenyans who acquire another citizenship and eligible foreigners who obtain Kenyan citizenship must make the required notifications and maintain proper documentation. Specific procedures and timelines apply, so seek legal advice to remain compliant.

Can my spouse and children be included if I hold an investor permit?

Your lawful spouse and dependent children can usually be granted dependant passes tied to your permit. Dependants do not automatically gain permanent residence or citizenship, but time spent lawfully in Kenya can support future applications under the law.

Can foreigners own land in Vihiga County?

Foreigners and foreign-owned companies may hold land on leasehold tenure only, typically up to 99 years. Agricultural land transactions often require approval by the Land Control Board. Conduct thorough due diligence and obtain legal advice before entering any land deal.

How do I avoid scams about buying Kenyan passports?

Avoid anyone who promises a passport or citizenship for a fee or donation. Use only official government application channels, insist on official receipts, and consult a licensed Kenyan advocate or a reputable immigration consultant for guidance.

What documents are commonly needed for an investor permit application?

Common documents include a valid passport, recent photographs, company registration records, business plan, evidence of capital and source of funds, bank statements, KRA PIN, lease or proof of business premises, police clearance certificates, and any sector-specific approvals. Requirements can change, so confirm the current checklist before filing.

Is immigration handled by the Vihiga County Government?

No. Immigration is a national function. Residents of Vihiga typically submit applications through the national eCitizen platform and use nearby Huduma Centres or regional Immigration offices for biometrics and collection. The county government is relevant for local business permits, land matters, and compliance within Vihiga.

Additional Resources

State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services - Department of Immigration Services for permits, permanent residence, and citizenship applications.

eCitizen online services portal for filing immigration and civil registration applications.

Huduma Centres serving Western Kenya, including those in nearby counties such as Kakamega and Kisumu, for biometrics and document services.

Kenya Investment Authority KenInvest for investment facilitation and investment certificates.

Kenya Law for access to the Constitution, the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act 2011, and related regulations.

Law Society of Kenya for finding licensed advocates experienced in immigration and investment law.

Kenya Revenue Authority for KRA PIN registration, tax compliance, and guidance on investor tax obligations.

Directorate of Criminal Investigations for Certificates of Good Conduct required in some applications.

Registrar of Companies for incorporation and company records needed in investor applications.

County Government of Vihiga for business licences, land rates, planning approvals, and local compliance.

Next Steps

Clarify your goal. If your objective is citizenship by investment, be aware that Kenya does not offer it. Decide whether your immediate aim is an investor permit, long term residence, or eventual qualification for permanent residence or naturalisation.

Consult a licensed Kenyan advocate. A lawyer can assess your eligibility, map a realistic timeline, and reduce the risk of refusals. Ask about permit class selection, family dependants, and long term planning toward permanent residence or citizenship by registration or naturalisation where appropriate.

Prepare documentation. Gather passports, police clearances, source of funds evidence, business plan, incorporation documents, KRA PIN, lease for premises in Vihiga, and sector approvals. Ensure all foreign documents are properly certified and, where required, translated.

Set up your business. Incorporate the company, open a bank account, secure premises in Vihiga, obtain county business licences, and meet any regulatory and tax obligations. Maintain clear records to support immigration filings and future audits.

Apply through official channels. Submit permit and dependant applications via the eCitizen system and attend biometrics at the designated Huduma Centre or Immigration office. Keep copies of all submissions and receipts.

Maintain compliance. Renew permits on time, file taxes, update Immigration on material changes, and keep continuous records of lawful residence. If aiming for permanent residence or naturalisation, track residence periods, travel, and compliance documents.

Review strategy annually. Laws and policies can change. Have your lawyer review your status each year and update your pathway accordingly.

Important note - This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. Always obtain tailored advice from a qualified Kenyan lawyer before taking action.