Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui has issued a fresh clarification on Kenya’s work visa and permit requirements, warning that visa-free entry does not automatically give foreigners the right to work, trade or run businesses in the country.
Kinyanjui said foreign nationals intending to engage in employment, business or other economic activities in Kenya must still comply with immigration laws and obtain the necessary work permits, licences and regulatory approvals.
The clarification follows growing concerns over foreigners operating small businesses and participating in local trade without the required documentation.
In a statement issued on September 6, 2026, the CS stressed that Kenya’s visa-free entry policy should not be confused with permission to undertake economic activities.
“Visa-free entry or exemption from eTA requirements does not in itself confer the right to engage in employment, trade or business in Kenya,” Kinyanjui said.
Misuse of visa status
The government said it had identified cases of foreigners entering Kenya as tourists or investors before becoming involved in activities outside the terms of their entry.
Kinyanjui said the increasing number of foreigners operating in retail and local trade had created the need to ensure that everyone involved had the correct permits.
According to the CS, some visitors have deliberately misused their immigration status by entering the country legally but later taking up jobs or businesses without seeking the required authorisation.
He warned that those found violating the terms of their visas could lose their legal status.
“Persons found in contravention of the applicable visa provisions will have their visas revoked in accordance with the law,” he said.
The clarification comes after President William Ruto recently raised concerns about foreign nationals operating small businesses in Kenya, with the government now placing greater attention on compliance with work and business regulations.
Visa-free entry remains
Kinyanjui, however, said the government’s latest position does not mean Kenya is abandoning its visa-free entry arrangements.
Kenya introduced visa-free entry for visitors in January 2024 as part of efforts to boost tourism, investment and travel. The government later removed Electronic Travel Authorisation requirements for citizens of most African countries.
While the policy has made travelling to Kenya easier, Kinyanjui said it does not remove the legal requirements surrounding employment and business.
In simple terms, a foreigner may be allowed to enter Kenya without a visa but still need a separate permit before getting a job, opening a shop or engaging in trade.
The government also addressed concerns involving citizens from East African Community member states.
Kinyanjui said Kenya remains committed to regional agreements promoting the movement of people and goods across East Africa. He added that these commitments would remain an important consideration when implementing immigration and work permit rules affecting EAC citizens.
The CS assured foreigners and investors that enforcement would be carried out within the law and in an orderly and transparent manner.
The government maintained that Kenya remains open to genuine foreign investors and businesses that follow the law and contribute to economic growth and job creation.
However, the latest clarification sends a clear message that easier entry into Kenya should not be mistaken for a free pass to work or conduct business. Foreigners planning to earn, trade or invest actively in the country must first ensure that they have the right paperwork.
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