Meru Woman Celebrates Becoming an Irish Citizen After Five Years Abroad

A Kenyan woman from Chogoria in Meru County has officially become an Irish citizen, marking a significant milestone after several years of building a new life abroad.

Purity Nkatha Mwoga, who moved to Ireland in 2021 after marrying her husband, announced that she had obtained dual citizenship. In a message shared online, she described the achievement as a blessing and said Ireland had become her “second home”. Her post included a confirmation notice from Ireland’s Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, along with photographs of her and her husband celebrating the occasion.

Nkatha said her first months in Ireland were challenging as she adapted to the cold weather, unfamiliar food and the Irish accent. She also found it difficult to access Kenyan cuisine. Despite these obstacles, she gradually settled into her new environment and built a career supporting people with intellectual disabilities.

The role provided financial stability and allowed her to support relatives in Kenya. Nkatha, who comes from a modest background, financed her younger sister’s nursing education. Her sister has since completed her studies and joined the profession.

Many Kenyans congratulated Nkatha on social media, praising her determination and commitment to creating opportunities for herself and her family. Her achievement comes as stories of citizenship transitions continue to attract interest across East Africa. 

In a separate case, American national Will Ruddick was recently granted Kenyan citizenship after living in the country for 18 years. Ruddick, who is known for community-based innovations, received a warm welcome from many Kenyans, with some suggesting he adopt an African name to reflect his new status.