NAIROBI, Kenya Sep 7 – The Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI) has clarified requirements for foreigners seeking to work, trade or operate businesses in Kenya, stressing that visa-free entry does not automatically grant permission to engage in employment or commercial activities.

📻 Breaking It Down

The clarification follows President William Ruto’s recent directive on foreign traders and comes amid increased scrutiny of foreigners operating in Kenya’s retail and local trade sectors.

In a press statement issued by the Ministry, Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui said Kenya remains open to legitimate investors and businesses but insisted that foreigners must comply with immigration, work permit and other regulatory requirements.

The Ministry said Kenya introduced a visa-free entry regime for visitors from around the world on January 1, 2024.

📌 What You Need to Know

In January 2025, the Government further approved the removal of Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) requirements for citizens of most African countries.

According to MITI, the measures have had a positive impact on tourism and investment.

“We continue to apply the directive to its fullest degree possible,” the Ministry said.

However, the Government stressed that visa-free entry and exemption from eTA requirements should not be interpreted as permission to work or conduct business in Kenya.

“Visa-free entry or exemption from eTA requirements does not in itself confer the right to engage in employment, trade or business in Kenya,” the Ministry stated.

It added that such activities remain subject to “the applicable immigration, work permit and other regulatory requirements.”

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya