Kenya’s immigration landscape is undergoing transformative changes with the introduction of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Regulations, 2024 (the Regulations), unveiled by the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, on 17 December 2024. These amendments not only refine existing provisions but also unveil a new class of work permits, marking a pivotal shift in the regulatory framework.

As of May 2025, the Directorate of Immigration Services (the Directorate) has now commenced the issuance of the new work permit categories, expanding beyond the existing classes.

Key updates

Class R work permit for the citizens of the member states within the East African Community

The Regulations introduce a specialised Class R work permit exclusively for citizens of the East African Community (EAC) member states. This permit applies to EAC citizens who:

• are not prohibited immigrants (please click here to view the list of persons classified as prohibited immigrants);
• intend to reside, engage in employment, activity, business, trade or engage in any prescribed profession (please click here to view the list of prescribed professions and the accompanying qualifications); and
• whose presence in Kenya will be of benefit to Kenya.

Notably, the new Class R work permit allows EAC citizens to apply on a gratis basis. According to the Regulations, applicants will not be required to pay any processing or annual fees for this permit.

Additionally, Kenya now joins Rwanda and Uganda in waiving work permit fees for citizens in the EAC member states. This recent development is aimed at promoting regional integration and collaboration within the EAC and ultimately promoting economic growth within the region.

Class N Digital Nomads Permit and the reduction of the annual income threshold

On 1 October 2024, the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act (Cap 170, Laws of Kenya) and its regulations were amended to include the new Class N Digital Nomad permit for freelancers or persons who have been offered employment by a company based outside the country but work remotely from Kenya.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must:

• possess a valid passport;
• have proof of remote work;
• have an assured annual income of USD 55,000 derived from sources outside Kenya;
• demonstrate proof of accommodation arrangements in Kenya; and
• have proof of a clean criminal record from the country of habitual residence.

In addition, to be eligible for this permit, the applicant must commit not to accept paid or unpaid employment in any income-generating activities of any kind in Kenya for an employer or a company domiciled in the country and their presence in Kenya must be of benefit to the country.

These amendments were not enforceable at the time due to the lack of guidelines on the procedure and associated costs for the application. However, this gap has now been rectified by the publications of the Regulations.

Notably, the Regulations have now reduced the threshold for the assured annual income of remote workers and/or freelancers from USD 55,000 to USD 24,000.

Following the publication of the Regulations, the Directorate has now commenced the issuance of digital nomad permits. We will continue to monitor the rollout and provide further updates as necessary.

Applicable fees

• Processing fee: USD 200
• Annual fee: USD 1,000

Class Q permit: Professionals in religious or charitable organisations

The Class Q permit is tailored to members from prescribed professions working for religious and charitable organisations who are not involved in preaching or the conduct of religious worship and rituals and whose presence in Kenya will be of benefit to Kenya.

Applicable fees

• Processing fee: KES 20,000
• Annual fee: KES 100,000

Class P Permit: Diplomatic and international organisation staff

This is a specialised permit for persons based in a neighbouring hardship country working for the United Nations, diplomatic missions, inter-governmental organisations and international non-governmental organisations accredited to the said neighbouring hardship country. This permit also allows these individuals and their dependents to reside in Kenya if their presence is deemed beneficial.

Applicable fees

• Processing fee: USD 200
• Annual fee: USD 1,000

Amendment to Class I permit for approved religious activities

The Class I Permit has been revised to specifically apply to members of institutions registered under the Societies Act (Cap 108, Laws of Kenya) who are engaged as missionaries and whose activities are directly involved in preaching or conduct of religious worship and rituals. This amendment replaces the previous broader category, which applied to individuals who were:

• members of an institution registered under the Societies Act who are engaged as missionaries;
• members of a company limited by guarantee; and
• members of a trust registered under the Trustees Act (Cap 167, Laws of Kenya), and are approved by the Government of Kenya, and whose presence in Kenya will be of benefit to Kenya.

Conclusion

These Regulations signal a progressive approach to immigration in Kenya. By introducing new work permit categories and reducing financial barriers, particularly for EAC nationals, these changes aim to attract talent, foster regional and international collaboration and drive economic growth.

Written by Rainbow Field, Head of M&A and Director, Employment, and Godana Galm and Nadia Mire, Associates, Bowmans Kenya