Administrative Procedures for Living in Kenya

Published on April 24, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Moving to Kenya is not just about booking a plane ticket and dreaming of safaris. Between residence permits, choosing the right visa, work permits, registering with public agencies, opening a bank account, or converting your driver’s license, the administrative side is dense and sometimes daunting. However, with good preparation, it becomes manageable and allows you to fully enjoy a country that is dynamic, relatively affordable, and innovation-driven.

Good to know:

This article details the procedures to anticipate for living in Kenya, applicable to expatriate employees, entrepreneurs, retirees, digital nomads, and family members joining a resident. The information is based on recent reports and current Kenyan regulations.

Understanding the general framework before leaving

Kenya has approximately 54 to 56 million inhabitants, a growing economy (averaging 4.8% per year before the pandemic, then 5.5% GDP growth in 2022), and a strong position as a regional hub for start-ups and international industry. Nairobi, its capital, stands as a “Silicon Savannah” with numerous incubators, coworking spaces, and tech companies.

30.2

Malaysia’s price index is 1.58 times lower than the global average.

To ensure a successful move, you must therefore combine three dimensions: choosing your migratory status wisely, securing your administrative procedures (visas, permits, registration, health, driver’s license…), and anticipating practical aspects of daily life (housing, banking, taxation, security).

Entering Kenya legally: eTA, visas, and exemptions

Before any long-term move, the entry point almost always involves an Electronic Travel Authorization or a visa. Since January 1, 2024, Kenya has shifted to a generalized Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system.

The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

The eTA is now mandatory for most foreign visitors. The application is made online on the official portal (https://www.etakenya.go.ke) and no longer on the old eVisa platform.

Important:

The eTA is valid for a single entry only, for a trip to be taken within 90 days of its issuance. The length of stay is determined by the immigration officer upon arrival. It is imperative to present a passport valid for at least 6 months after the arrival date, proof of accommodation (reservation or invitation), and, if applicable, a yellow fever vaccination certificate if traveling from a risk area.

The table below summarizes the key features of the eTA:

Element	Main Detail
Application Portal	https://www.etakenya.go.ke
Standard eTA Fee	32.50 USD (indicative amount)
Validity for Travel	90 days from issuance
Entry Type	Generally, single entry
Recommended Timeline	Apply at least 3 days before departure (up to 90 days before travel)
Key Documents	Passport with 6 months validity, proof of accommodation, yellow fever certificate if required

Certain nationalities benefit from partial or total exemptions. Nationals from East African Community (EAC: Burundi, DRC, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda) countries can enter with a simple national ID card and stay up to 180 days without an eTA. Other African or Caribbean states also have eased regimes for stays of 60 to 90 days, and holders of work permits, permanent residence, or specific laissez-passer (UN, AU, World Bank…) are exempt from the eTA.

Tourist and short-stay visas

For many countries, the eTA has simply replaced the classic tourist visa, and visas on arrival have no longer been issued since 2021. Some nationalities, such as Indian citizens, may continue to apply for a tourist eVisa, typically valid for 90 days, via channels provided by the Kenyan administration, with fees calibrated to their country of origin.

Tip:

For a relocation project, a short-stay visa allows for necessary on-the-ground reconnaissance. This includes visiting neighborhoods, scheduling appointments with real estate agencies, conducting interviews with potential employers, and meeting with immigration lawyers or consulting firms.

Choosing your status to live in Kenya: Work permit, retirement, digital nomad, permanent residence

Living in Kenya beyond the 90 days of a tourist stay requires an official status: work permit, ordinary residence permit, digital nomad visa, or even permanent residence in the longer term. The reference law is the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act of 2011, supplemented by its regulations.

All procedures are done via the electronic portal eFNS (Electronic Foreign Nationals Services), accessible through the eCitizen platform.

Overview of main long-stay statuses

Several categories suited to different situations are distinguished:

Status / Permit	Target Audience	Typical Duration	Right to work for a Kenyan entity?
Class D Work Permit (employment)	Employees recruited by a company in Kenya	1 to 2 years, renewable	Yes, for the designated employer only
Class G Permit (investor / business)	Entrepreneurs and investors	2 years, renewable	Yes, within their own company
Class K Permit (ordinary resident / retiree)	Financially independent individuals (pension, annuity)	2 years, renewable	No
Class N Permit (digital nomad)	Remote workers for foreign companies, freelancers	1 or 2 years, renewable	No for Kenyan clients
Permanent Residence (PR, categories A–D)	Former citizens, spouses, children, permit holders	Unlimited (5-year endorsement)	Yes, under specific modalities

Other classes exist (mining, agriculture, religious missions, NGOs, refugees…), but these five categories cover the majority of situations for foreign residents wishing to live in Kenya long-term.

The Class D Work Permit: for expatriate employees

The Class D is the “classic” permit for employment in Kenya. It requires a contract with an employer legally registered in the country, and the administration demands that the position cannot be easily filled by a Kenyan national. The company must demonstrate that the expatriate’s skills are specific and that their arrival will benefit the local economy.

The essential conditions include:

– Passport valid for at least six months

– Detailed job offer, employment contract

– Diplomas, qualifications, and professional experience

– Cover letter from the employer addressed to the Director General of Immigration

– Company’s tax documents (KRA PIN, tax compliance certificate)

– Proof that the company attempted to recruit locally

– Designation of a Kenyan “understudy” for skills transfer (CV, contacts to support)

Fees are high: a Class D application involves a non-refundable processing fee, then an issuance fee that can reach several hundred thousand shillings per year. The permit is generally valid for one to two years, renewable, and tied to a specific employer. Changing companies requires a new full application.

Example:

The administration recommends submitting a work permit application 6 to 8 weeks before the start date, and at least 3 months before its expiration for renewal. In practice, observed timelines vary between 2 and 6 months. During the processing period, working without a valid permit is technically illegal, unless one holds a temporary ‘Special Pass’.

Investment and entrepreneurship permits (Class G, F…)

For foreign entrepreneurs wishing to run their own company in Kenya, the usual route is the Class G permit, intended for those investing in commerce, consultancy, or specific activities. The central requirement is a minimum financial capacity, often set at 100,000 USD of investment.

This permit is combined with the creation of a local structure (typically a Private Limited Company), registered with the Business Registration Service via eCitizen. The Class G holder can then legally manage their business, sign contracts, and obtain necessary tax identifiers (PIN).

In certain sectors (agriculture, livestock, industry), other categories (Class B, F) are more appropriate, also with requirements for capital, land, or sectoral authorizations.

The Class K Permit: living in Kenya without working

The Class K permit is for individuals wishing to reside in Kenya without engaging in remunerated professional activity, typically retirees or individuals living on foreign-source income (pension, annuity, dividends…).

The criteria are clear:

– Be at least 35 years old

– Demonstrate a guaranteed annual income of at least 24,000 USD from abroad

– Not hold a job or professional activity in Kenya

– Provide a clean criminal record, passport copies, and supporting documents for income source

Fees are substantial: 20,000 KSh non-refundable application fee, then 250,000 KSh fee per approved year of permit (exempt for East African Community nationals). A security deposit of 100,000 KSh is also required. Processing times are around 2 to 3 months.

Good to know:

This permit does not directly grant citizenship. However, the period of residence under this permit is counted towards the years required to apply for permanent residence. Subsequently, this permanent residence may eventually allow one to initiate a naturalization process.

The digital nomad visa / permit (Class N)

Recently, Kenya introduced a specific permit for foreign remote workers, officially integrated into the legal framework of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Regulations, 2024. This “Digital Nomad Work Permit” (Class N) targets remote employees, freelancers, and online entrepreneurs working exclusively for clients or employers located outside Kenya.

The criteria combine several requirements:

– Be employed by a company registered abroad or freelance for a foreign clientele

– Provide proof of stable income from outside the country (with an estimated annual floor between 24,000 and 55,000 USD depending on sources)

– Commit in writing not to work for Kenyan companies or provide paid services to local clients

– Present a clean criminal record, proof of health insurance, accommodation reservation or lease, and sometimes a letter of no objection from the embassy of the country of origin

The application is made via Form 25 on the eFNS portal, with a non-refundable processing fee of 200 USD and an annual issuance fee of 1,000 USD. The permit is generally granted for one to two years and can be renewed if the criteria remain met. The announced timeframe is 2 to 4 weeks, although in practice, it’s prudent to allow for a margin.

From a tax perspective, the principle is that foreign-source income of digital nomads is not taxed in Kenya as long as they do not create a permanent establishment or work for Kenyan clients. But if the presence exceeds 183 days per year, the question of tax residency status may arise, hence the benefit of seeking international tax advice.

Permanent residence: a long-term status

Kenya offers a permanent residence (Permanent Residence, PR) status for those who meet certain criteria. This is not citizenship: the holder cannot vote, does not hold a Kenyan ID card, and does not automatically benefit from full land ownership (still limited to leasehold for foreigners). However, they no longer need to constantly renew a residence permit, although an endorsement update is required every five years.

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– Category A: former Kenyan citizens who lost or renounced their nationality

– Category B: foreigners who have held valid work permits for at least seven years and resided without interruption for the last three years

– Category C: children of Kenyan citizens born abroad and holding another nationality

– Category D: foreign spouses of Kenyan citizens married for at least three years

For category B (the most common for expatriates), one must prove a tangible contribution to the country’s socio-economic development, be up to date with tax obligations, not have been declared bankrupt, nor represent a risk to national security. Fees are high: 50,000 KSh non-refundable processing fee, then 750,000 KSh at issuance for an adult in this category.

Processing times can reach 8 to 12 months, or even longer, with additional checks by intelligence services (NIS). Once the permanent residence certificate is obtained, one must enter Kenya within the following year if they were abroad at the time of application.

Towards citizenship: a distant goal

Kenya does not offer “citizenship by investment”, but permanent residence can, after at least seven years of holding it, open the way to a naturalization application. Naturalization notably requires good knowledge of Swahili, as well as an understanding of the country’s laws and culture. Kenya accepts dual citizenship, provided the applicant’s country of origin also tolerates it.

Working in Kenya: permits, obligations, and constraints

Beyond choosing the right status, working legally in Kenya requires following strict procedures. The government prioritizes local employment, and each permit is examined in light of the economic interest for the country.

The eFNS portal and standard procedure

All work permit applications (classes A to R) go through the online eFNS portal. The typical process involves several steps:

1. Create an eCitizen account and register on eFNS
2. Fill out the appropriate form (often Form 25 for permits)
3. Upload supporting documents (passport, diplomas, proof of employment or investment, criminal record, employer documents)
4. Online payment of application fees (via mobile money M-Pesa, card, transfer)
5. Review by the permit determination committee
6. Online notification (acceptance, request for additional information, or refusal)
7. Payment of issuance fees and security deposit if applicable
8. Endorsement of the permit in the passport at an immigration office

Processing is primarily documentary, without an interview in the vast majority of cases. Specialized lawyers, such as Njaga & Co. Advocates or other immigration law firms, frequently assist companies and applicants in compiling applications, drafting cover letters, and managing appeals.

The Special Pass: to start a short-term assignment

When a foreigner needs to start working quickly before obtaining the final work permit, authorities can issue a “Special Pass”. This temporary title authorizes professional activities for a maximum period of six months (often issued for 1 to 3 months, renewable only once). However, it remains strictly time-limited and does not substitute for a long-stay permit.

Status of spouses and children

Family members (spouses, children under 21) of a work or residence permit holder can apply for a Dependent Pass. This allows them to stay legally in the country without work authorization. A spouse wishing to pursue professional activity must also obtain a work permit in their own name.

Starting a business in Kenya: procedures and links with immigration

Many foreigners consider Kenya as a regional base for commercial, technological, or service activities. The country allows a non-citizen to hold 100% of a business, except in certain regulated sectors or for full land ownership.

Legal structures and registration

Several entity forms are available:

– Sole Proprietorship

– Private Limited Company (most common form)

– Public Limited Company

– Limited Liability Partnership

– Limited Partnership

– Company Limited by Guarantee

– Branch of a foreign company

Registration is done via the Business Registration Service (BRS) on the eCitizen platform. The procedure starts with a search and reservation of a business name, generally valid for 30 days. Forms to be completed vary by structure (BN2 for a sole proprietorship, LLP1 for an LLP, CR1/CR2/CR8 for a Limited Company, FC1–FC4 for a branch).

10650

The standard government cost for registering a company in Kenya is 10,650 KSh.

Once registered, the company must:

– Obtain a tax PIN from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)

– Register for VAT if its annual turnover exceeds 5 million KSh

– Register with NSSF (pension) and the Health Insurance (SHA, ex-NHIF) for employees

– Apply for necessary sectoral licenses or operating permits from the county or national regulators

Link with the work permit

Owning a company does not automatically grant the right to work in Kenya. The foreign director must obtain an investor permit (often Class G), demonstrating they bring sufficient capital (at least 100,000 USD for some types of activity) and that their project contributes to the local economy (jobs, technology transfer, exports…).

Good to know:

For a foreign director, signing bank accounts and receiving remuneration require obtaining a personal tax PIN. This step is itself conditional on holding a valid work permit first.

Corporate tax regime

Resident companies (registered in Kenya or locally controlled) pay corporate tax at a rate of 30%. Branches of foreign companies are considered non-resident and taxed at 37.5%. VAT is set at 16% for most taxable goods and services. Companies must also practice Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) on salaries and file annual returns with KRA.

Opening a bank account and managing finances

Kenya has a fairly developed banking sector, with major local banks (Equity Bank, KCB Bank, Absa Bank Kenya, Stanbic…) and subsidiaries of international groups like Standard Chartered.

Conditions for opening an account as a foreigner

In practice, opening an account often requires:

– Physical presence in Kenya, especially for a first account

– A valid ID document (passport)

– Proof of migration status (long-stay visa, permit, Foreigners’ Certificate / Alien Card)

– A local address (lease, utility bill)

– Sometimes, a Kenyan phone number, ID photo, and KRA PIN certificate

Important:

The Central Bank of Kenya’s (CBK) KYC rules complicate account opening for tourists and short-stay visitors, who generally must resort to diaspora services or specific mobile products.

Some banks offer online openings or via mobile app (e.g., KCB M-Benki or Standard Chartered solutions), but even then, face-to-face verification may be required. For long-term residents, it’s recommended to inquire directly with several banks and compare fees and conditions.

Bank fees and alternatives

Most banks charge:

Common Bank Fees

The main fees applied by banks on current accounts, which can impact your budget.

Account Maintenance Fees

Monthly fees charged for account management, sometimes waived if a certain minimum balance is maintained.

Withdrawal Fees

Fees applied on ATM withdrawals, particularly high outside your bank’s network.

International Fees

Commissions on international transfers and margins applied on foreign exchange rates.

For international transfers, specialized services like Wise (ex-TransferWise) often offer the real exchange rate (mid-market) and lower costs than traditional banks. Wise also provides local details (IBAN, GBP, USD accounts…) useful for receiving foreign salaries or pensions while paying expenses in Kenya.

Finding housing in Nairobi and elsewhere: legal framework, lease, and budget

Housing is one of the central — and sometimes most complex — aspects for an expatriate in Kenya, especially in Nairobi where rents are among the highest on the African continent.

Right to housing and property purchase

Foreigners can freely rent housing. For purchase, the framework is more restrictive:

– Non-citizens cannot own land freehold

– They can obtain a leasehold of 99 years, renewable

– Restrictions exist for acquisition of agricultural land or land intended for certain commercial uses

The additional costs of purchase include:

– Stamp duty: 4% in municipal areas, 2% elsewhere

– Legal fees: 1 to 2% of the price

– Real estate agent commission: capped at 3%

– Various registration fees

Most expatriates opt for renting, especially since many work on fixed-term contracts, with the possibility of receiving housing allowances when employed by international companies or NGOs.

Rental market in Nairobi: benchmarks and neighborhoods

Nairobi is the most expensive city in the country for rents. Available figures show an average of about 130,000 KSh per month for an apartment, with a range from 25,000 to over 500,000 KSh depending on size, location, and standard.

100000

Some orders of magnitude represent a scale of values up to one hundred thousand.

Type of housing / expense	Nairobi (approx.)
1-bedroom rent city center	37,272 KSh / month
1-bedroom rent outside center	18,163 KSh / month
85 m² furnished apartment – expensive area	170,729 KSh / month (≈ 1,318 USD)
85 m² furnished apartment – standard area	100,390 KSh / month (≈ 775 USD)
Utilities (2 people, 85 m²)	9,097 KSh / month (≈ 70 USD)
Fixed internet (8 Mbps)	3,064 KSh / month (≈ 24 USD)

Neighborhoods favored by expatriates in Nairobi include notably:

– Karen, Runda, Muthaiga, Lavington, Gigiri, Kitisuru, Spring Valley: lush residential areas, individual houses or villas in secure compounds, high rents, good quality of life

– Westlands, Parklands, Kilimani, Hurlingham, Riverside, Kileleshwa: urban neighborhoods with modern buildings, shops, restaurants, offices, active nightlife, suitable for young professionals

– Lang’ata, South B, South C, Ruaka, Syokimau, Tatu City (Ruiru): mid-range options with secure compounds, more affordable and often well-connected

Some areas like Eastlands, Kayole, or Kariobangi are known for higher crime rates, prompting many foreigners to avoid them for a first stay, at least until familiar with the city.

Rental procedure and contractual aspects

Housing search can rely on:

Where to look for housing in Kenya?

Several channels are available to find housing, from traditional agencies to digital platforms and community networks.

Real Estate Agencies

For a guided search by professionals, contact international agencies like Knight Frank or specialized local agencies.

Online Real Estate Portals

Consult major listing and connection websites: Property24, BuyRentKenya, PigiaMe, Hao Finder, and NairobiRents (which verifies owners).

Social Media & Communities

Join expatriate groups on Facebook or other networks to benefit from recommendations and private listings.

Short & Medium-term Rentals

For temporary or furnished accommodation, explore serviced apartment platforms, seasonal rentals, or Airbnb.

It is advisable to start the search at least 60 days before moving, as the most sought-after properties often go at the beginning of the month.

Leases are generally concluded for one year, sometimes more or less depending on agreement with the landlord. Recent regulation (Landlord and Tenant bill) aims to strengthen transparency and control rent increases: an increase is only possible after 12 months of tenancy, then at regular intervals of at least 12 months.

Key points of attention in the contract:

– Lease duration and renewal conditions

– Early termination clause and notice period (for both tenant and landlord)

– Allocation of charges (water, electricity, internet, security service, common area maintenance)

– Terms for returning the security deposit

Tip:

The security deposit, equivalent to one to three months’ rent, must be strictly tied to the entry and exit inventories. To avoid any dispute, it is highly recommended to document the property’s condition with dated photos. In case of disagreement over its return, recourse is possible through courts or specialized commissions.

Charges and services

Rent rarely includes utilities:

– Electricity: supplied by Kenya Power, frequent payment via M-Pesa (Paybill 888888), with progressive tariffs based on consumption

– Water: provided by Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company, variable quality and risk of cuts; some buildings have backup tanks and pumps

– Cooking gas: via LPG cylinders distributed by various actors (Total, Shell, K-Gas…); cash or mobile money payment, subject to increasingly strict safety rules

– Internet: main providers Safaricom, Zuku, Faiba, with fiber offers up to 100 Mbps and more

Waste is often handled by private companies contracted by the city. Recycling is developing through local initiatives and NGOs.

Security is a separate expense item: in compounds, the cost of guards, barriers, and cameras is included in “service charges.” For individual houses, one often needs to contract their own 24/7 security service or install alarm systems, CCTV, and security lighting.

Health and medical coverage: what to do upon arrival

In terms of health, Kenya combines a still fragile public system and a high-performing but costly private sector. For an expatriate, one essential step is to set up robust medical coverage, including emergency evacuation.

Organization of the healthcare system

The system rests on three pillars:

– Public (about 48% of structures): dispensaries, health centers, public hospitals managed by the Ministry of Health. Basic care (cold, flu, simple malaria, child care) is often free or highly subsidized for children under 5, pregnant women, and certain priority conditions (HIV, tuberculosis).

– Private non-profit: faith-based hospitals, medical NGOs, missions, representing a significant share of the offer.

– Private for-profit (about 41% of structures): modern clinics and hospitals, mainly in Nairobi and Mombasa, offering standards close to Western countries.

WHO ranking places the Kenyan system at a modest level in terms of efficiency, notably due to lack of personnel and resources in the public sector, especially in rural areas.

Reference hospitals and clinics

In major cities, several private hospitals stand out:

Partner Hospitals in Kenya

A selection of renowned healthcare facilities in Kenya, offering specialized and general care in several cities.

Aga Khan University Hospital

Present in Nairobi and Mombasa, this university hospital is a reference center for specialized care and medical training.

The Nairobi Hospital

One of the largest private hospitals in Nairobi, offering a wide range of medical and surgical services.

MP Shah Hospital

Reputable general hospital located in Nairobi, known for its clinical services and qualified staff.

Karen Hospital

Modern facility located in the Karen neighborhood of Nairobi, providing quality care in a serene environment.

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital

Leading pediatric hospital in Nairobi, specialized in medical and surgical care for children.

Nairobi Women’s Hospital

Dedicated to women’s health, this hospital offers gynecological, obstetric, and women’s wellness services.

Mombasa Hospital

Major private hospital on the Kenyan coast, serving the Mombasa region with general and specialized care.

Kijabe Mission Hospital

Mission hospital located in Kijabe, recognized for its affordable care and training in community health.

On the public side, there are reference institutions like Kenyatta National Hospital or Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, but their services face capacity pressures and long wait times.

Health insurance: NHIF/SHA and private coverage

Kenya long operated with the NHIF (National Health Insurance Fund), which recently evolved into a framework called Social Health Authority (SHA). NHIF membership was mandatory for civil servants and encouraged for private sector workers; expatriates with local employment are, in principle, eligible and often required to contribute.

However, NHIF/SHA coverage remains limited for specialized care or high-end private facilities. That’s why almost all expatriates turn to international private health insurance.

Major companies present or recognized include: Cigna, AXA, Allianz, April International, Bupa Global, William Russell, IMG, Jubilee, APA Insurance, among others. These policies typically cover:

– Inpatient and outpatient care

– Examinations and imaging

– Surgery and maternity (often after waiting periods)

– Mental health, sometimes as an option

– Dental and optical care (as an add-on)

– Prescribed medications

– Medical evacuation (air) to Nairobi, Mombasa, or even another country

4000

This is the annual cost in pounds sterling that the most comprehensive expatriate health insurance plans can reach.

In an emergency, numbers 999, 112, or 911 can alert emergency services, but public ambulances are sometimes slow to respond. Private hospitals often have their own ambulance services. In rural areas, many expatriates additionally subscribe to a “flying doctors” service (like AMREF) to be airlifted to a well-equipped hospital.

Vaccines and health risks

To enter Kenya, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if coming from a country where the disease is endemic. Other recommended vaccines include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, diphtheria-tetanus-polio, measles-mumps-rubella, rabies, meningococcal meningitis, and seasonal flu.

Malaria remains a major problem, especially in certain areas (coasts, lake regions). Antimalarial prophylaxis may be recommended depending on residence and travel areas. Tap water is generally not potable: it is advised to drink bottled or filtered water.

Driver’s license: driving legally in Kenya

Driving is almost essential for settling long-term outside central Nairobi or for traveling in the country. Kenya applies a fairly strict regime for foreign drivers.

Using your foreign license short-term

A foreign national can drive in Kenya with their valid national license for 90 days after arrival. If the license is not in English, it must be accompanied by an official translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP). Beyond these 90 days, it is mandatory to convert the license or obtain a Kenyan one.

Short-stay tourists can therefore rent a car with their national license + IDP at most international agencies (Avis, Europcar, etc.), but a long-term stay requires a local license.

Converting a foreign driver’s license

Conversion is done via the TIMS (Transport Integrated Management System) of the NTSA (National Transport and Safety Authority), accessible from an eCitizen account.

Main conditions:

Good to know:

To drive in Luxembourg with a foreign driver’s license, you must be over 18 years old, hold a valid foreign license, and have legal immigration status (such as a long-stay visa). You must also provide a letter of authentication from the issuing authority and be medically fit to drive, particularly regarding vision.

Documents to provide include:

– Original foreign license and copy

– Passport + copy

– Work permit or Dependant Pass if applicable

– 2 ID photos

– Letter of authentication

– Alien Card or letter of exemption

After online submission and payment (approximately 1,050 KSh conversion fee, plus 3,050 KSh for the “smart” license card), NTSA processes the application in 5 to 21 working days depending on the case. A visit to an NTSA center or Huduma Centre is then necessary for biometric fingerprinting. The “smart” license is valid for three years and renewable online.

Certain profiles, such as diplomats or some exempt technical personnel, benefit from specific procedures with reduced or exempt fees.

Obtaining a new Kenyan license

For those who do not have a license to convert or who want another category (heavy goods, motorcycle, etc.), it is necessary to:

Example:

To obtain a driver’s license in Kenya, one must first complete 4 to 6 weeks of training at a driving school accredited by NTSA. Then, the learner driver must pass a theory exam, costing about 1,000 KSh, via the TIMS platform. Next comes the practical exam, supervised by NTSA examiners. Finally, once these steps are passed, the license application is submitted on TIMS, with payment of fees: about 750 KSh for processing and 3,050 KSh for the smart card.

Licenses are strictly categorized (A for motorcycles, B for cars, etc.), and changing category often requires a new exam.

Traffic rules and road safety

In Kenya, driving is on the left. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas and 100 km/h on highways. Seat belts are mandatory, the maximum legal blood alcohol level is 0.08%, phone use while driving is prohibited except hands-free, and helmet use is mandatory for motorcyclists (driver and passenger).

The “smart” license includes a points system to track driver behavior, and authorities are gradually strengthening controls.

Other key procedures: registration, taxation, education, security

Living in Kenya finally involves a few additional procedures varying according to family and professional situation.

Registration of foreigners and Alien Card

Every foreigner over 18 who stays more than 90 days in the country must apply for a Foreign Nationals Certificate (Alien Card) from the Department of Immigration via eFNS. This biometric card serves as an internal identifier, is necessary for many procedures (opening a bank account, registering a phone line, etc.), and must be renewed regularly.

Personal taxation: where to pay taxes?

Kenya taxes Kenya-source income. The personal income tax rate can reach 30%, while the standard VAT is 16%. In practice:

Tip:

For employees working in Kenya, the tax regime depends on their situation. Employees paid by a local employer into a Kenyan account are taxed in Kenya, with Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) withheld by the employer. Remote employees for a foreign company, paid into a foreign account, are in principle taxed in the employer’s country, unless their activity creates a permanent establishment in Kenya. Finally, for remote workers paid into a Kenyan account, tax authorities may consider this income taxable locally.

A stay of more than 183 days per year in the territory raises the question of tax residency status. Each situation requires personalized advice, especially for holders of digital nomad permits or entrepreneurs.

Children’s education

The Kenyan education system comprises four levels: pre-primary (4-5 years), primary (6-14 years), secondary (14-18 years), and university. Public school is free, but often suffers from underfunding and overcrowded classes, especially in rural areas. Most expatriates therefore choose private or international schools (British curriculum with GCSEs and A-Levels, International Baccalaureate, etc.).

32000

The annual cost for a 12-year-old child in an international school in Kenya can exceed 32,000 USD.

Security and precautions

Tourist areas (national parks, coasts) are generally well-secured, but major cities, particularly Nairobi and Mombasa, experience high crime levels (theft, assault, burglary). In Nairobi, over half the population is reported to have been a victim of theft or assault in the year.

Recommended precautions for a resident:

– Avoid walking alone at night and displaying valuables

– Prefer ride-hailing taxis (Uber, Bolt) or a private driver rather than matatus and boda-bodas, known to be dangerous

– Live in secure housing (compound with security guards, alarm, access controls)

– Follow embassy advice regarding risk areas, especially near certain borders

Emergency numbers are 999, 112, or 911 to reach police, ambulances, or fire services. It is recommended to keep a copy of your passport and residence permit on you, with originals kept safely at home.

Conclusion: a demanding but accessible move with good preparation

Living in Kenya involves navigating online procedures, gathering documentation, administrative delays, and compliance requirements. From the initial eTA to the permit application, including registering a company, opening a bank account, subscribing to international health insurance, and converting your driver’s license, each step requires rigor and foresight.

Good to know:

Despite initially demanding administrative procedures, the country compensates with a very attractive living environment: relatively low cost of living, pleasant climate, and a predominantly English-speaking population (nearly 80%). It also offers a dynamic tech scene, exceptional natural spaces, and significant entrepreneurial opportunities. These initial efforts thus constitute an investment for a life or career project in one of the most promising hubs in East Africa.