By John Kariuki

Saku Member of Parliament and Vice-Chairperson of the National Assembly’s Administration and Internal Security Committee, Hon. Dido Rasso, has taken center stage in spearheading parliamentary scrutiny of a legislative proposal that could decisively alter the fate of stateless persons in Kenya.

The proposal, sponsored by Hon. Owen Yaa Baya, seeks to amend the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, Cap. 170, by abolishing the rigid time limit for applications for citizenship by stateless individuals. If enacted, the amendment would resolve a long-standing injustice that has condemned generations to legal limbo despite their deep-rooted ties to the country.

Hon. Rasso emphasized the Committee’s duty to balance compassion with constitutional fidelity, noting that stateless persons deserve both recognition and inclusion within the Kenyan family. He underlined that the Committee’s responsibility extends beyond procedural review, describing it as a test of Kenya’s moral conscience in protecting vulnerable populations.

Since the Bill was committed to the Committee on April 29, 2025, Hon. Rasso has overseen extensive deliberations, ensuring that the policy implications were carefully dissected. Under his leadership, the Committee solicited perspectives from stakeholders ranging from civil society to legal experts, underscoring the importance of participatory democracy in law-making.

Should the Committee sanction the publication of the proposal, it will advance to the stage of public participation, where citizens and institutions will have the chance to shape the legislation. Hon. Rasso reaffirmed that inclusivity and accountability will remain the guiding principles of this process.

Advocates for reform argue that the amendment would restore dignity to thousands who, though born and raised in Kenya, have been marginalized by their lack of citizenship. Hon. Rasso concurred, stating that the recognition of stateless persons as rightful citizens would not only uphold human rights but also reinforce national cohesion and unity.

Through his stewardship, Hon. Dido Rasso has elevated this debate from a technical legal adjustment to a profound national dialogue on justice, belonging, and identity. The Committee’s work under his guidance marks a pivotal stride in Kenya’s democratic journey, signaling hope for those long excluded from the promise of citizenship.