MINISTRY OF INTERIOR AND NATIONAL ADMINISTRATION
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, 17th December, 2024
THE KENYA CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS, 2024
The Prime Cabinet Secretary and Acting Cabinet Secretary for Interior has issued a gazette notice on The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Regulations, 2024.
Key Objectives of the Amendments:
The proposed amendments aim to:
- Strengthen current regulations on work permits.
- Promote national interests by enhancing digital jobs.
- Facilitate smooth regional integration and fairness.
- Increase foreign exchange revenue for the Government.
- Position Kenya as an attractive international and financial hub.
Introduction of Class ‘P’ Permit:
As part of efforts to make Kenya a diplomatic hub, a new permit category, Class ‘P,’ has been introduced. This permit will be issued to:
- Staff of the United Nations.
- Diplomatic Missions.
- Inter-Governmental Organizations (e.g., Bretton Woods Institutions).
- International Non-Governmental Organizations (accredited to or based in neighboring hardship countries).
The permit allows these individuals and their families to reside in Kenya. It addresses requests from the United Nations Office in Nairobi for residency status for UN staff working in non-family stations in neighboring countries.
Nairobi is an attractive residence for diplomatic staff due to:
- Security, peace, and stability.
- Excellent international schools and hospitals.
- Reliable internet and world-class recreational facilities.
- Ease of foreign travel and decent accommodation options.
The financial benefits of hosting UN staff include:
- Payment of rent, school fees, and employment of domestic staff.
- Boosting the local economy through foreign currency transactions.
Class ‘P’ permits will be charged in United States Dollars at a lower fee to attract these high-earning professionals.
Introduction of Class ‘N’ Permit:
On 1st October 2024, the government gazetted Class ‘N’ permits for digital nomads (Legal Notice No. 155, Kenya Gazette No. 179).
This permit caters to young professionals working remotely for overseas companies while residing in Kenya. Digital nomads are typically middle-to-high income earners who share their experiences online with employers, friends, and families abroad.
Eligible professions include:
- ICT professionals, project managers, graphic designers.
- Online tutors, virtual assistants, app developers.
- Software engineers, marketers, freelancers, and consultants.
Requirements and Fees:
- Annual income: Minimum USD 24,000 (reduced from USD 55,000).
- Annual permit fee: USD 1,000.
Amendments to Existing Classes:
- Class ‘I’ Permit:
- Previously issued to individuals working for charitable organizations.
- Now limited to individuals directly involved in preaching, religious worship, and rituals.
- Fee reduced from KSh. 50,000 to KSh. 20,000.
The new changes aim to reduce the number of beneficiaries under Class ‘I,’ moving others to the newly created Class ‘Q.’
- Class ‘Q’ Permit:
- Issued to individuals working for institutions registered under the Societies Act or the Trustee Act, such as:
- Doctors, teachers, lecturers, pilots, and other professionals.
- Members of charitable or religious organizations.
- Annual fee: KSh. 100,000.
Reason for Introduction:
Previously, professionals such as doctors and teachers held Class ‘D’ permits, which now cost KSh. 1,000,000 annually. This increase led to complaints from organizations like the Catholic Church and African Inland Church. Class ‘Q’ provides a more affordable alternative for this group. - Issued to individuals working for institutions registered under the Societies Act or the Trustee Act, such as:
- Class ‘R’ Permit:
- Consolidates all applicants from East African Community (EAC) member states.
- Allows EAC citizens to live, work, trade, or engage in business in Kenya.
- Fee: Waived for all eligible applicants.
This aligns with the East African Community’s free movement and labor principles.
H.E. Dr. MUSALIA MUDAVADI, EGH
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Acting Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration