Kenya has drawn a clear distinction between its visa-free entry policy and the right of foreign nationals to work, trade or operate businesses in the country, saying easier access to the country does not remove existing immigration and work-permit requirements.
The clarification by Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui comes as Kenya seeks to maintain its visa-free regime, which the government says has supported tourism and investment, while ensuring that foreigners engaging in economic activities comply with separate regulatory requirements.
In a September 6 statement, Kinyanjui said Kenya’s visa-free entry policy, introduced in 2024 and expanded in 2025 to remove eTA requirements for citizens of most African countries, would remain in place.
However, he said authorities had identified the “deliberate misuse of visa applications,” with some visitors entering as tourists or investors before engaging in activities outside the terms of their visas.
The government also raised concerns over the number of foreigners involved in retail and local trade, saying their activities must comply with existing work-permit requirements.
