KENYA WARNS FOREIGNERS: VISA-FREE ENTRY DOES NOT AUTHORISE WORK

The Kenyan government has clarified that foreign nationals who enter the country under its visa-free regime are not automatically permitted to work, trade or operate businesses. Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Lee Kinyanjui, said visitors must obtain the appropriate immigration approvals, work permits and other regulatory authorisations before engaging in economic activities in Kenya.

Kinyanjui said the clarification became necessary following concerns that some foreigners had been using tourist or investor status to undertake activities outside the conditions attached to their entry. He noted that the government had particularly observed a growing number of foreign nationals involved in retail and local trade, prompting authorities to reinforce compliance with existing work-permit regulations.

The Cabinet Secretary stressed that visa-free access and exemption from Kenya’s electronic travel authorisation requirements should not be interpreted as permission to take up employment or establish commercial operations. According to him, anyone intending to work, trade or conduct business must meet the relevant immigration and regulatory requirements regardless of whether a visa was required to enter the country.

The warning comes amid President William Ruto’s directive targeting foreign nationals involved in small-scale retail businesses and hawking. The government has maintained that Kenya remains open to legitimate foreign investment but wants commercial activities by non-citizens to comply with the law and existing work-permit provisions.

Authorities also warned that foreigners found violating the conditions of their admission could have their immigration status revoked. Kenya introduced its visa-free regime in January 2024 and subsequently removed eTA requirements for citizens of most African countries in January 2025, measures initially aimed at facilitating travel, tourism and investment.