Government clarifies work visa rules for foreign traders

The government has warned foreign nationals against engaging in employment, trade or business without the appropriate permits, saying visa-free entry does not give visitors the right to work in the country.

Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui said some visitors had been misusing tourist and investor status to engage in activities that fall outside the conditions of their visas.

Kinyanjui in a statement on Sunday said the government would revoke visas where foreigners were found to be in breach of immigration rules.

The clarification follows remarks by President William Ruto on work visa applications for foreigners.

Kenya introduced a visa-free entry regime for visitors from around the world in January 2024.

In January 2025, it also removed Electronic Travel Authorisation requirements for citizens of most African countries.

Kinyanjui said the changes had had a positive impact on tourism and investment and that it remained committed to implementing the policy.

But it said the increase in the number of foreigners involved in retail and local trade had created a need to ensure that those activities complied with work permit requirements.

“Visa-free entry or exemption from eTA requirements does not in itself confer the right to engage in employment, trade or business in Kenya,” Kinyanjui said.

He said people intending to work or conduct business in Kenya remained subject to immigration, work permit and other regulatory requirements.

The government also highlighted Kenya’s commitments under the East African Community, which provides for the free movement of people and goods among member states.

It said enforcement of immigration and work permit rules would take those regional commitments into account.

The government said the implementation would be carried out “in an orderly and transparent manner” and in the spirit of the East African Community.

Kinyanjui said Kenya said it remained open to legitimate foreign investors and businesses that comply with the law and contribute to economic growth, job creation and development.