NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenyan government has unveiled amendments to its immigration regulations, introducing new work permit categories aimed at boosting foreign exchange, fostering regional integration, and attracting international professionals to the country.
The changes, announced in the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Regulations, 2024, include the creation of several permit classes, including a new Class ‘P’ for United Nations (UN) staff and diplomatic mission employees stationed in hardship countries across the region.
This class allows such professionals and their families to reside in Nairobi while commuting to their workstations.
The amendments respond to longstanding requests from the UN office in Nairobi, particularly regarding staff posted in neighboring regions classified as non-family stations.
Nairobi’s appeal as a regional hub stems from its relative peace and security, high-quality international schools, modern healthcare, and robust infrastructure.
These factors make the city a preferred residence for international staff working in challenging conditions elsewhere.
Government officials emphasized that the new Class ‘P’ permit aligns with Kenya’s strategy to position Nairobi as a leading multilateral and diplomatic center.
UN staff and other eligible residents contribute significantly to the local economy through rent, school fees, and hiring domestic workers.
The amendments also formalize a Class ‘N’ permit for digital nomads, targeting professionals working remotely for global employers while residing in Kenya.
This permit reflects the rise of the digital economy, with an estimated 40 million digital jobs worldwide.
Eligible applicants—such as ICT professionals, writers, graphic designers, and consultants—will pay a proposed annual fee of $1,000, provided they earn a minimum income of $24,000 per year.
This fee is substantially lower than the previously proposed $55,000 income threshold.
Another key adjustment involves the introduction of Class ‘Q’, which addresses concerns raised by religious organizations.
Previously, professionals such as doctors and teachers working in faith-based institutions were required to secure the more expensive Class ‘D’ permits, whose fees were increased to KShs. 1 million.
To ease the financial burden, Class ‘Q’ permits will now cover these professionals at a reduced annual fee of KShs. 100,000.
Religious groups, including the Catholic Church and the African Inland Church (AIC), had lobbied against high permit fees, highlighting the financial strain on institutions providing essential services in education and healthcare.
For instance, teachers at the Rift Valley Academy and doctors at Kijabe Mission Hospital had struggled under the steep costs.
Additionally, the amendments revise Class ‘I’ permits, which now exclusively cater to individuals directly involved in religious worship and rituals, such as priests and missionaries.
The annual fee for this category has been reduced from KShs. 50,000 to KShs. 20,000. Other professionals previously under Class ‘I’ have been reassigned to the new Class ‘Q.’
Finally, the regulations create Class ‘R’ permits to streamline immigration processes for citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states.
Under this permit, EAC nationals can live, work, or engage in trade within Kenya without paying any fees—a move aimed at reinforcing regional economic integration.
The changes, announced in the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Regulations, 2024, include the creation of several permit classes, including a new Class ‘P’ for United Nations (UN) staff and diplomatic mission employees stationed in hardship countries across the region.
This class allows such professionals and their families to reside in Nairobi while commuting to their workstations.
The amendments respond to longstanding requests from the UN office in Nairobi, particularly regarding staff posted in neighboring regions classified as non-family stations.
Nairobi’s appeal as a regional hub stems from its relative peace and security, high-quality international schools, modern healthcare, and robust infrastructure.
These factors make the city a preferred residence for international staff working in challenging conditions elsewhere.
Government officials emphasized that the new Class ‘P’ permit aligns with Kenya’s strategy to position Nairobi as a leading multilateral and diplomatic center.
UN staff and other eligible residents contribute significantly to the local economy through rent, school fees, and hiring domestic workers.
The amendments also formalize a Class ‘N’ permit for digital nomads, targeting professionals working remotely for global employers while residing in Kenya.
This permit reflects the rise of the digital economy, with an estimated 40 million digital jobs worldwide.
Eligible applicants—such as ICT professionals, writers, graphic designers, and consultants—will pay a proposed annual fee of $1,000, provided they earn a minimum income of $24,000 per year.
This fee is substantially lower than the previously proposed $55,000 income threshold.
Another key adjustment involves the introduction of Class ‘Q’, which addresses concerns raised by religious organizations.
Previously, professionals such as doctors and teachers working in faith-based institutions were required to secure the more expensive Class ‘D’ permits, whose fees were increased to KShs. 1 million.
To ease the financial burden, Class ‘Q’ permits will now cover these professionals at a reduced annual fee of KShs. 100,000.
Religious groups, including the Catholic Church and the African Inland Church (AIC), had lobbied against high permit fees, highlighting the financial strain on institutions providing essential services in education and healthcare.
For instance, teachers at the Rift Valley Academy and doctors at Kijabe Mission Hospital had struggled under the steep costs.
Additionally, the amendments revise Class ‘I’ permits, which now exclusively cater to individuals directly involved in religious worship and rituals, such as priests and missionaries.
The annual fee for this category has been reduced from KShs. 50,000 to KShs. 20,000. Other professionals previously under Class ‘I’ have been reassigned to the new Class ‘Q.’
Finally, the regulations create Class ‘R’ permits to streamline immigration processes for citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states.
Under this permit, EAC nationals can live, work, or engage in trade within Kenya without paying any fees—a move aimed at reinforcing regional economic integration.
