Kenya moves to crack down on foreigners engaging in illegal trade

Kenya's government has issued a stern warning to foreigners who enter the country on visa-free or tourist visas, urging them not to engage in employment, trade, or business without the appropriate permits. Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry Lee Kinyanjui announced that violators may face visa revocation. This warning comes after President William Ruto emphasized the government's stance on foreigners involved in local trade and other economic activities.

In January 2024, Kenya implemented a visa-free entry policy for international visitors, and in January 2025, the country eliminated Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) requirements for most African nationals. According to Kinyanjui, the initiatives have boosted tourism and investment, and the government intends to maintain this policy.

However, he emphasized that some visitors have been abusing visa arrangements by engaging in unauthorized activities. The government is particularly worried about foreigners operating in retail and local trade without the necessary work permits. Kinyanjui stressed that visa exemption or free entry does not automatically confer the right to work, trade, or run a business in Kenya; these activities must comply with immigration laws, work permit requirements, and other applicable regulations.

The government acknowledged Kenya's commitment to the East African Community framework, ensuring that the enforcement of immigration and work permit rules respects the free movement of goods and people within the EAC Customs Union. Kinyanjui assured that enforcement would be carried out transparently and lawfully, reassuring lawful foreign investors and businesses that Kenya remains open to them, provided they operate within the law and contribute to economic growth, job creation, and national development.