Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui warned foreign nationals that Kenya's visa-free entry regime does not authorise work and trade without required permits, while cautioning Kenyans against taking the law into their own hands as the government enforces a crackdown on foreign hawkers and small-scale traders.
7 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
President William Ruto has issued ultimatums targeting both Tata Chemicals and regional nationals engaged in small-scale street trading, with both groups ordered to justify their economic presence or leave Kenya. The moves reflect a broader "economic sovereignty" theme as the administration faces public frustration over jobs, cost of living, and unfulfilled promises ahead of elections.
7 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui has cited misuse of visa-free entry regulations introduced in January 2024 by foreigners engaging in unlawful retail and local trade, stating that visitors under tourist visas must comply with work permit provisions and those found in contravention will have their visas revoked.
7 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Kenya's Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry has clarified that visa-free entry, introduced in January 2024 and expanded in January 2025 to remove eTA requirements for most African citizens, does not automatically grant foreigners permission to work, trade or operate businesses; the Ministry stressed that foreigners must comply with immigration, work permit and regulatory requirements.
7 September 2026 · Capital News →
Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui has cautioned that visa-free entry into Kenya does not authorize foreign nationals to work, trade, or operate businesses in the country. The government has detected cases of foreigners misusing tourist and investor status to engage in activities outside their immigration permits, particularly in retail and local trade sectors, and emphasizes compliance with work permit requirements.
7 September 2026 · The Standard →