Kenya has clarified that visa-free entry into the country does not automatically give foreigners the right to work, trade or operate businesses without the required permits.
Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui issued the clarification on Sunday, September 6, 2026, following President William Ruto’s recent directive targeting foreign nationals engaged in small-scale trade without the necessary documentation.
Kinyanjui said Kenya introduced a visa-free entry regime for visitors from across the world on January 1, 2024, while the government removed Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) requirements for citizens of most African countries in January 2025.
He noted that the measures have supported tourism and investment but stressed that they should not be interpreted as permission for foreigners to work or conduct regulated commercial 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 in the statement.
The CS said the government had identified cases where foreigners entered Kenya under tourist or investor status before engaging in activities outside the conditions of their immigration status.
He further raised concern over the number of foreigners operating in the retail and local trade sectors, saying their activities must be aligned with existing work permit requirements.
Foreigners found violating the conditions attached to their visas or other applicable regulations risk having their visas revoked in accordance with the law.
Kinyanjui also highlighted Kenya’s obligations under the East African Community, noting that the country is committed to the free movement of goods and people within the regional bloc.
He said EAC commitments would be considered when implementing immigration and work permit requirements affecting citizens of partner states.
The government, he added, would enforce the directive in an orderly and transparent manner and in accordance with the law and the spirit of the EAC.
Kinyanjui assured legitimate foreign investors and businesses that Kenya remains open to those operating within the law and contributing to economic growth, job creation and national development.
