Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui has warned foreign nationals against abusing Kenya’s visa-free entry rules.
He said some foreigners use the arrangement to engage in illegal trade and employment.
Kinyanjui issued the warning in a statement on Sunday. He said Kenya introduced the visa-free policy in January 2024.
The policy has made it easier for many African citizens to travel to Kenya. However, some visitors have breached its conditions.
According to Kinyanjui, some foreigners enter Kenya as tourists. They then engage in retail businesses without the required permits.
The CS warned that authorities could revoke the immigration status of foreigners who break visa regulations.
He also clarified an important point about visa-free entry. Entering Kenya without a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) does not give foreigners the right to work or trade.
Foreign nationals who want to work or operate businesses must therefore obtain the relevant permits. They must also follow Kenya’s other business and immigration regulations.
Kenya Maintains EAC Free Movement Rules
Meanwhile, Kinyanjui said Kenya remains committed to the free movement of people and goods within the East African Community (EAC).
However, he stressed that EAC citizens must still follow the applicable immigration and work permit rules when they engage in employment or business.
Ruto Orders Crackdown on Foreign Hawkers
Kinyanjui’s warning comes days after President William Ruto ordered a crackdown on foreign hawkers and small-scale traders.
Ruto issued the directive after meeting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) traders at State House on September 2.
During the meeting, the President said some foreigners had entered Kenya’s retail market. He said they were selling products such as duvets and other merchandise.
According to Ruto, such activities create unfair competition for Kenyan hawkers and small-scale traders.
The President said Kenya wants foreign investors to bring capital and create jobs. He added that investors should also help grow the economy.
However, he said Kenya did not attract foreign investors so they could compete with local hawkers.
“We have not built investor confidence for hawkers to come to Kenya. What we have built is for investors, not traders and hawkers,” Ruto said.
Permits Required for Foreign Workers and Traders
Foreign nationals who want to work or run businesses legally in Kenya must obtain the relevant permits.
They can apply through the Electronic Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS) portal. The Directorate of Immigration Services operates the platform.
For instance, foreigners with a specific job offer in Kenya can apply for a Class D work permit.
Kenya also has other permit categories for different sectors and activities.
- Class C: For people in prescribed professions.
- Class G: For people engaging in specific business or trade activities.
- Class A: For people working in mining.
- Class B: For people involved in agriculture.
- Class F: For people working in manufacturing.
The government says the enforcement will ensure that foreign nationals follow Kenya’s immigration and labour laws.
It also aims to protect local traders from unfair competition. At the same time, Kenya says it remains open to legitimate foreign investment and regional trade.
