Members of the National Assembly are set to review Kenya’s citizenship and immigration laws, with lawmakers seeking to strike a delicate balance between national security and the protection of fundamental human rights.

The National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security convened a consultative meeting at Bunge Towers on April 30, 2026, bringing together government agencies, legal experts, human rights bodies, and civil society organisations to deliberate on the proposed Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

The bill, which is sponsored by Kilifi North MP Owen Baya, proposes wide-ranging changes to the country’s legal framework governing citizenship and migration amid shifting global migration patterns and heightened security concerns.

Committee Chairperson Gabriel Tongoyo of Narok West said the review is aimed at modernising the law while safeguarding constitutional guarantees.

“We are undertaking a comprehensive review to ensure that our citizenship and immigration laws are responsive to current realities while safeguarding national security and protecting fundamental rights,” Tongoyo said.

“The views we have received today will be instrumental in shaping a balanced and forward-looking law.”

Key submissions made

Key submissions were made by the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, the Office of the Solicitor-General, and the State Department for Parliamentary Affairs.

Legal and policy input was also provided by the Kenya Law Reform Commission and the Law Society of Kenya. The Law Society of Kenya cautioned that any changes must remain firmly grounded in the Constitution, particularly on due process and the protection of citizenship rights.

“Any amendments must be anchored in the Constitution and uphold due process, especially in matters touching on citizenship status and rights,” LSK representative told the committee.

Need for a rights-based approach

Human rights and oversight bodies, including the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), urged Parliament to adopt a rights-based approach, warning that poorly designed reforms could disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

“We must ensure that in strengthening immigration controls, we do not undermine the dignity and protection of vulnerable groups, including refugees and stateless persons,” an NGEC representative said.

Tongoyo emphasised the importance of public participation in the legislative process, saying it ensures laws reflect the needs and aspirations of Kenyans.

“These engagements are central to our legislative process. They enrich the quality of our work and ensure that the law we pass reflects the aspirations and concerns of the people,” he said.

The committee is expected to compile a report incorporating stakeholders’ views, which will guide its recommendations and shape the direction of the proposed law.