After 30 Years in UK, Kenyan Man's Family Still Denied Residency Rights

Kenyan software engineer Henry Maina is locked in a protracted legal battle with UK immigration authorities to bring his wife and daughter to the UK after three decades of residency.

Maina, who has yet to secure indefinite leave to remain, has spent £25,000 (approximately 4.2 million Kenyan Shillings) in legal fees in an attempt to overcome regulatory hurdles that prevent his family's reunification.
Maina met Mary Njeri Kiarie in Kenya in 2019 and the two married in the UK in 2020, but Mary was compelled to return to Kenya when her visa expired.

Their daughter, Jayna, was born during their separation, and the family has now been apart for five years. The separation places a strain on the family, with Maina describing it as “virtually living two lives.” After an initial rejection, Maina's case has been escalated to the Upper Tribunal.

His application for indefinite leave to remain is complicated by regulations that do not allow time accrued on various visas to count toward the required period of residency. Despite this, Maina highlights his long-term residence, consistent tax and national insurance contributions, and absence of reliance on public funds as justification for reconsideration.

Mary Kiarie intends to work in social care upon her arrival in the UK. The family's situation highlights a broader issue faced by long-term UK residents who encounter difficulties reuniting with their families due to stringent immigration policies. Maina has resorted to crowdfunding to help cover increasing legal costs.