Visa-free entry does not grant work rights, State warns
- On Sunday, Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui clarified that Kenya's visa-free entry policy does not permit foreign nationals to work or conduct business in the country.
- The clarification precedes today's deadline set by President William Ruto for foreign nationals operating small-scale retail shops to close their enterprises, following his September 2 directive reserving petty trade for Kenyans.
- Kinyanjui noted the "deliberate misuse of visa applications," with visitors entering as tourists before engaging in unauthorized trade, while Local traders complained foreign operators sell goods at prices difficult for micro-enterprises to match.
- Parliament is considering the Local Content Bill, which proposes foreign firms source at least 60 per cent of goods from Kenyan companies while at least 80 per cent of workforce comprises Kenyan citizens.
- Taken together, these measures could carry diplomatic risks if affected countries respond with similar restrictions against Kenyans operating abroad, as Kenya must balance protecting Local traders without undermining regional trade commitments.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Kenya: EALS - Crackdown On Illegal Foreign Traders Must Follow the Law
NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept. 8 - The East Africa Law Society (EALS) has called on the Kenyan government to ensure that its crackdown on unlicensed foreign traders is carried out in accordance with Kenyan and East African Community (EAC) laws.
Kenya escalates war against foreign hawkers with tougher immigration measures despite visa-free entry
Kenya has drawn a clear distinction between its visa-free entry policy and the right of foreign nationals to work, trade or operate businesses in the country, saying easier access to the country does not remove existing immigration and work-permit requirements.
Kenya warns foreigners against visas misuse
Kenya’s trade ministry has warned foreign nationals that visa-free entry into the country does not grant them the right to work, as the government vows to shut down unlicensed small businesses run by foreigners. President William Ruto had set today as the deadline for foreigners operating small-scale businesses to cease work. Ahead of the move, …
Kenya minister warns foreigners against ‘misusing’ visas to trade
Kenya’s trade ministry has warned foreign nationals that visa-free entry into the country does not grant them the right to work, as the government vows to shut down unlicensed small businesses run by migrants. President William Ruto had set today as the deadline for foreigners operating small-scale businesses to cease work. Hundreds of people have […]
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