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Nairobi – Al-Wadi Newspaper
The Kenyan Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, through the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, has issued a press statement clarifying the government’s position on work visa applications for foreign nationals, following a directive issued by Kenyan President William Ruto on the matter.
Al-Wadi Newspaper reviewed the statement, in which the Kenyan government reaffirmed its continued implementation of a visa-free entry system, noting that on January 1, 2024, the government introduced visa-free entry for visitors from countries around the world.
The statement added that in January 2025, the government approved the removal of Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) requirements for citizens of most African countries, noting that the move had a positive impact on the country, particularly in the tourism and investment sectors.
The government said it would continue implementing the policy to the greatest extent possible. At the same time, however, it pointed to cases of abuse of the immigration system by some visitors, including individuals who entered the country as investors or tourists but subsequently engaged in activities that were inconsistent with the purpose for which their visa or entry status had been granted.
The statement noted that the growing number of foreign nationals engaged in retail and local trade requires their activities to be regulated and their compliance with work permit regulations to be ensured. It stressed that individuals found to have violated applicable visa provisions would have their visas revoked in accordance with the law.
The Kenyan Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry emphasized that visa-free entry or exemption from Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) requirements does not automatically grant an individual the right to work, engage in trade, or conduct business in Kenya.
The statement explained that such activities remain subject to immigration laws and regulations, work permit requirements, and other applicable regulatory provisions in the country.
In the same context, the Kenyan government reaffirmed its commitment to the agreements of the East African Community (EAC), including the principle of the free movement of goods and persons within the framework of the Customs Union. It noted that this commitment would remain an important consideration when applying immigration and work permit requirements to citizens of EAC member states.
The government stressed that the implementation of these directives would be carried out in accordance with the law, in an orderly and transparent manner, and in line with the spirit and objectives of the East African Community.
Kenya further reaffirmed that it would remain an open country that welcomes investors and businesses operating legally and contributing to economic growth, job creation, and national development.
The statement was signed by Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry of Kenya, on September 6, 2026.
