- Government warns foreigners against misusing visas for business
- Visas may be revoked over work permit violations
- Kenya reaffirms openness to legitimate investors and EAC citizens
The government has warned that foreigners found engaging in employment, trade or business activities outside the terms of their visas will have those visas revoked.
This is according to a press statement issued by the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry on September 6, 2026, following a pronouncement by President William Ruto on work visa applications for foreigners.
The Ministry said Kenya implemented a visa-free entry regime for visitors from across the world on January 1, 2024. In January 2025, the government further approved the removal of Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) requirements for citizens of most African countries.
The Ministry said the move has had a positive impact on the country, particularly in tourism and investment, and that the directive continues to be applied to its fullest degree possible.
Misuse of visa provisions
However, the Ministry noted there has been deliberate misuse of visa applications by some visitors, leading to persons on investor or tourist status engaging in activities contrary to the terms of their grant.
Owing to the high number of foreigners involved in the retail and local trade sectors, the Ministry said there is a need to align their activities and ensure compliance with work permit provisions. Persons found in contravention of the applicable visa provisions will have their visas revoked in accordance with the law.
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The Ministry clarified that visa-free entry or exemption from eTA requirements does not in itself confer the right to engage in employment, trade or business in Kenya. Such activities remain subject to applicable immigration, work permit and other regulatory requirements.
EAC commitments remain
The statement noted that Kenya is a signatory to the East African Community (EAC) and has assented to the free movement of goods and people across the Customs Union. This commitment, the Ministry said, remains an important consideration in the implementation of immigration and work permit requirements affecting citizens of EAC Partner States.
The Ministry added that enforcement of the directive will comply with the law and will be conducted in an orderly and transparent manner, in the spirit of the East African Community.
Kenya remains open to investors
The Ministry reaffirmed that Kenya remains open and welcoming to legitimate investors and businesses that operate within the law and contribute to the country’s economic growth, job creation and development.
The statement was signed by Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui.
By Benedict Aoya
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