Date of publication:
01/07/2026
Kenya
Do domestic laws and policies recognize a valid travel document issued by another State for forcibly displaced and stateless persons?
Assessment by population
Analysis
According to the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011, section 2, travel document means a document issued under this Act or issued by any lawful authority or government recognized by the Government of Kenya for the purpose of travel. Also, as per Section 25 (1) (h), travel documents issued in line with the Refugee Act is recognized as one of the types of travel documents. Furthermore, according to Section 32 of the same Act, passports and travel documents serve as evidence of citizenship and domicile of the holder and of the entitlements to state protection. Therefore, refugee travel document issued by any lawful authority or government recognized by the Government of Kenya is recognized in Kenya. The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regarding registration of refugees provide that at the time of registration of refugees and asylum seekers, the registration officer will look at any legal documents that the refugee or asylum seeker may have to get their details including travel documents. Hence, travel documents are recognized as a proof of identity.
Related provisions of domestic law or policy
Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act
- Year: 2011
- Type: Domestic law
- Rights Category: Liberty & security of person, Nationality & facilitated naturalization, Work & Workplace rights, Documentation
- Link to external source: https://www.refworld.org/legal/legislation/natlegbod/2011/en/123212
Legal provision
Article 23 Return on persons on employment
(1) A passport shall be prima-facie evidence of the citizenship or domicile of the holder, as the case may be, and of their entitlement to state protection. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), possession of a passport or travel document does not bar inquiry, investigation or judicial proceedings pertaining to the validity of the passport.
Article 2(1) Interpretation.
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires— “travel document” means a document issued under this Act or issued by any lawful authority or government recognized by the Government of Kenya for the purpose of travel.
Article 25(1)(h) Inspections
The following types of passports and travel documents may be issued under this Act—Travel Document issued subject to the provisions of the Refugee Act, 2006 (No. 13 of 2006), and any other Humanitarian Convention.