Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui clarifies work visa rules after Ruto’s crackdown on foreign hawkers.
Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui has clarified Kenya’s work visa and permit requirements for foreigners following President William Ruto’s directive for a crackdown on foreign nationals engaging in hawking and other businesses without the required documentation. Ruto recently warned that foreign hawkers, including nationals from Burundi and Rwanda, who do not […]
Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui has explained Kenya's work visa and permit requirements for foreigners following President William Ruto's directive targeting foreigners hawking and conducting businesses without proper documentation. Ruto warned earlier this month that foreign hawkers, including those from Burundi and Rwanda, without the required documents would face deportation.
Kinyanjui stated in a statement following the President's announcement on September 6, 2026, that visa-free entry into Kenya does not automatically grant foreigners the right to work, trade, or engage in business. He emphasized that Kenya remains open to legitimate investors and businesses but stressed compliance with immigration, work permits, and other regulatory requirements.
Kinyanjui noted a deliberate misuse of visa applications by some visitors, who enter Kenya under investor or tourist status and then engage in activities not covered by their visas. He warned that violating these provisions would result in revoked visas. The Trade CS clarified that visa-free entry or exemption from eTA requirements do not confer the right to engage in employment, trade, or business in Kenya.
Kinyanjui explained that Kenya introduced visa-free entry on January 1, 2024, and removed Electronic Travel Authorisation requirements for most African citizens in January 2025. These measures have positively impacted Kenya, particularly in tourism and investment, and the government remains committed to the visa-free policy. He also highlighted Kenya's commitment to the free movement of goods and people under the East African Community, stating that enforcement of the directive will be carried out in an orderly and transparent manner, in line with the law and the EAC's spirit.
Kinyanjui reiterated that Kenya welcomes legitimate investors and businesses operating within the law, contributing to economic growth, job creation, and development.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
