NAIROBI, Kenya- The government has warned foreigners against using tourist or investor visas to work or operate businesses in Kenya without the required permits.
Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui said some visitors had deliberately misused their visas by engaging in activities that violated the conditions under which they were admitted into the country.
He said authorities were particularly concerned about the growing number of foreigners operating in the retail and local trade sectors without complying with work permit requirements.
“Persons found in contravention of the applicable visa provisions will have their visas revoked in accordance with the law,” Kinyanjui said in a statement issued on Sunday.
The Cabinet Secretary clarified that Kenya’s visa-free entry policy and exemptions from Electronic Travel Authorisation requirements do not automatically give foreigners the right to work, trade or conduct business in the country.
Such activities, he said, remain subject to immigration laws, work permit regulations and other applicable requirements.
Kenya introduced visa-free entry for visitors from across the world on January 1, 2024, replacing conventional visas with the eTA system. In January 2025, the government approved the removal of eTA requirements for citizens of most African countries.
According to Kinyanjui, the policy has supported tourism and investment, and the government remains committed to implementing it.
He also assured citizens of East African Community partner states that Kenya would consider its regional obligations while enforcing immigration and work permit rules.
Kenya is a member of the EAC, which provides for the movement of people and goods among partner states under regional integration agreements.
“The enforcement and implementation of the directive will be in compliance with the law and will be conducted in an orderly and transparent manner, and also in the spirit of the East African Community,” Kinyanjui said.
The clarification follows President William Ruto’s directive for authorities to take action against foreigners operating businesses or working in the country without appropriate permits.
Kinyanjui maintained that Kenya remained open to legitimate foreign investors and businesses that operate within the law and contribute to economic growth, employment and national development.
