United Kingdom - Passport & Nationality - Asians in Kenya (UK Nationality)
Because of how the Constitution of Kenya determined how Citizenship was granted, Kenyans with parents or grandparents born OUTSIDE of Kenya (or even the different constituent parts of Kenya before Independence) have a possibility of being granted one of the five forms of British Nationality. This is because of the protection offered to British Subjects born or resident in Kenya before Independence.
In particular, and because of the large numbers involved, Kenyans with Indian ancestry (parents or grandparents born in India) have a higher likelihood of being granted automatic British Nationality. In particular, many such Kenyans can become British Overseas Citizens (also known as BOC's).
STATUS OF KENYA
Prior to 22.07.1920, the area now known as Kenya was called the East Africa Protectorate, in which the Crown held extra-territorial jurisdiction. From 1920, the Protectorate was split into two, a Colony and a Protectorate. Kenya gained independence from the UK on 12.12.1963, at which point it was an independent Commonwealth country.
KENYA COLONY
From 23.07.1920 until 31.12.1948, the Kenya Colony fell within the Crown’s Dominions. From 01.01.1949 until 11.12.1963, the colony formed part of the UK and Colonies. As a general rule, any person born in the Kenya Colony between 01.01.1949 and 11.12.1963 was a Citizen of the UK & Colonies.
Click here for more information on the status of Citizen of the United Kingdom & Colonies (CUKC), a status achieved by birth in the Colony.
KENYA PROTECTORATE
From 1921 to 30.04.1925 (Jubaland, Kismayu and Port Durnford) and from 1921 to 11.12.1963 (Mainland Strip, Lamu and Patta), the area was a British Protectorate in which the Crown exercised extra-territorial jurisdiction. As a general rule, any person born in the Kenya Protectorate between 1921 and 11.12.1963 was a British Protected Person.
Click here for more information on the status of a British Protected Person (based on birth in a British Protectorate).