
5 Things You Need To Know Before You Start Working In Kenya's Tech Industry
The booming Silicon Savannah has attracted global attention, but what do you need to know before making the leap of working in Kenya?
Here are the top FAQs about working in Kenya's tech industry.

What are the key industries driving Kenya’s tech boom?
Kenya’s tech ecosystem is diverse, with fintech, agritech, healthtech, edtech, and e-commerce leading the charge. Each of these sectors offers exciting career opportunities for both local and international professionals.
Is it easy to find tech jobs in Kenya?
The demand for tech talent in Kenya is rapidly growing. Startups, multinational corporations, and government initiatives are constantly looking for skilled professionals in software development, data science, product management, and digital marketing.
What are the working conditions like in Kenya’s tech industry?
The work culture in Kenya’s tech sector is dynamic and fast-paced, with opportunities to grow and take on leadership roles. Work-life balance is achievable, especially in cities like Nairobi, which offer a mix of urban convenience and natural beauty.
How is Kenya’s tech industry connected to global markets?
Kenya has a strong digital infrastructure and is well-connected to global markets. Many tech companies in Kenya collaborate with international clients, and the rise of remote work makes it possible to work on global projects while living in Kenya.
Is it easy to obtain a work visa for Kenya?
Kenya’s immigration process is fairly straightforward, especially for professionals in high-demand fields like technology. Companies often assist international hires with securing the necessary work permits.
Our happy Professionals
Success Stories About Working in Kenya
Kenya has a growing tech community with many professionals successfully working in Kenya’s Tech Industry. From tech experts to digital marketers, these freelancers have made a name for themselves:

Kyle Joyner
DigitalAcres
A web developer who started on Upwork and now manages projects for clients in the US and Europe, all from her co-working space in Nairobi.

Alex Hill
AH MarketMakers
A digital marketer helping Kenyan start-ups boost their online presence with simple content creation and SEO tactics.

Humphrey Keller
SavvyOptics
A well-known Kenyan photographer and content creator, he started freelancing with international publications. His work appears in global campaigns while he lives in Kenya.
Useful Information About Working In Kenya's Tech Industry

Kenya has a well-structured work permit process for expatriates looking to work in the country. While the process is relatively straightforward, it requires applicants to adhere to specific guidelines and provide necessary documentation.
Below is a detailed overview of the steps, types of permits, eligibility criteria, and other key considerations for obtaining a work permit in Kenya.
Key Government entities responsible for labor and immigration include;
- Business Registration: State Law Office
- Visa Processing: Ministry of Foreign & Diaspora Affairs
- Work Permit: Ministry of Interior & National Government Coordination
- Labor Laws: Ministry of Labor & Social Protection
- Visiting Kenya: Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife
- Enforcing Labour Laws:Implementing and monitoring compliance with Kenyan labor laws to protect worker rights and benefits.
- Industrial Relations Management:Facilitating dialogue between employers and trade unions to resolve labor disputes and promote peaceful industrial relations.
- Occupational Safety and Health (OSH):Setting and enforcing safety standards at workplaces to prevent work-related accidents and illnesses.
- Trade Union Regulation:Registering and regulating trade unions to ensure their proper functioning and adherence to labor laws.
- Manpower Planning:Analyzing labor market trends and developing strategies to address skills gaps and promote employment opportunities.
- Wage Determination:Setting minimum wage standards and overseeing sectoral wage councils to establish fair wages.
- Labour Market Information:Gathering and disseminating data on employment trends, unemployment rates, and skills demand.
- Promoting Productivity:Implementing initiatives to enhance worker productivity and competitiveness within industries.
- Skills Development:Supporting training programs to equip workers with necessary skills for the job market.
- The Employment Act, Cap 226
- The Regulation of Wages and Conditions of Employment Act, Cap 229
- The Trade Unions Act, Cap 233; 4) The Trade Disputes Act, Cap 234
- The Factories and Other Places of Work Act, Cap 514
- The Workmen’s Compensation Act, Cap 236.
Source: Kituo Cha Sheria
Types of Work Permits
Kenya offers several categories of work permits depending on the nature of employment or business activities.
The most common work permits for expatriates include: Employment and Investor Permits

For foreigners offered specific employment in Kenya, usually in a skilled or specialist role where Kenyan labor is unavailable.
For expatriates looking to invest in Kenya or start a business in a specified trade, consultancy, or industry.
Issued to refugees in Kenya.
Eligibility Criteria of Working In Kenya
To apply for a work permit, applicants must meet specific criteria, which differ depending on the type of permit being sought.

- The applicant must have a confirmed job offer from a Kenyan company.
- The employer must demonstrate that no qualified Kenyan national is available for the role.
- The job offer should align with the applicant’s qualifications and experience.
- The applicant must invest in a specified trade, consultancy, or industry in Kenya.
- The applicant should have proof of sufficient capital to invest. Typically, a minimum of USD 100,000 is required for investment purposes.
Application Process of Working In Kenya
The Kenyan work permit process is well-structured and provides multiple pathways for expatriates, whether employed by a Kenyan company or investing in the country’s thriving work economy.
By following the necessary steps, ensuring compliance with immigration requirements, and having the right documentation, expats can successfully obtain a permit and legally work or invest in Kenya.

- For a Class D permit, you must first secure an employment offer from a registered Kenyan company.
- For a Class G permit, you need to have a business plan and proof of investment.
Different permits require different sets of documents. Common documents for most work permit applications include:
- Duly completed work permit application form.
- A detailed cover letter from the employer, addressed to the Director of Immigration Services, specifying why the expatriate is needed for the role.
- Copy of the applicant’s passport (with at least 2 blank pages and valid for at least 6 months).
- Passport-size photographs (usually two).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV), showing relevant work experience and qualifications.
- Academic and professional certificates, certified copies.
- Company registration documents for the employing company (including tax compliance certificate, certificate of incorporation, etc.).
- Proof of capital for investment (for Class G permits).
Applications for work permits must be submitted to the Kenyan Immigration Department. The application can be submitted online through the eCitizen portal, or physically to the Immigration Office.
Submitting Online via eCitizen:
- Visit the eCitizen portal.
- Create an account or log in.
- Navigate to the Department of Immigration Services section.
- Select work permits and choose the appropriate class based on your situation (Class D, G, etc.).
- Fill in the application form, upload the necessary documents, and submit the application.
- Pay the requisite application fees (fees vary depending on the class of permit, typically ranging from USD 1,000 to USD 3,000 for work permits).
Once your application is accepted, you must pay the application fees. Fees vary depending on the class of permit:
- Class D Permit: Approx. KES 200,000 (USD 1,850).
- Class G Permit: Approx. KES 100,000 (USD 925).
The processing of work permits in Kenya can take anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the application and any additional information that may be required. The decision will be made by the Kenya Immigration Department.
If the application is approved, you will receive an approval letter, which grants you permission to enter and work in Kenya.
After approval, the applicant must present the approval letter and their passport to the Immigration Office, where the work permit will be endorsed in their passport. The work permit is typically valid for two years and is renewable.
If an expatriate needs to start working immediately while their work permit application is being processed, they may apply for a Special Pass. This allows the expatriate to work temporarily for 90 days while awaiting the approval of the full work permit.
Work permits are typically issued for two years and can be renewed. To renew a work permit:
- You must submit a renewal application three months before the permit’s expiry date.
- Renewal applications require updated company documents and a justification for renewal.
- Renewal fees are the same as the initial permit fees.
After holding a work permit for seven consecutive years, an expatriate may be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Kenya. Permanent residency allows the expatriate to live and work in Kenya without needing a work permit.
- Employer Responsibility: In most cases, the employer is responsible for initiating and paying for the work permit process.
- Compliance: Ensure the company hiring you is fully compliant with Kenyan tax and labor laws, as these factors are considered during the permit approval process.
- Self-Sponsorship: Investors or entrepreneurs applying for a Class G Permit can self-sponsor their application.
- Penalties: Working in Kenya without a valid work permit is illegal and can result in fines, deportation, or imprisonment.
If your application for a work permit is rejected, you have the right to appeal the decision through the Kenyan Immigration Services Appeal Tribunal. The appeal must be made within 30 days of the rejection, and additional supporting documents may be required.
About The Author
Legal & policy expert with focus on human rights law particularly minority and indigenous rights law, decentralization, land and resource governance, environment and climate change and FPIC
Victor Isyamba is a seasoned brand curator and intrapreneur with over 27 years of experience building brands across 33+ industry verticals.
He consistently innovates by building information systems used by thousands of individuals, communities, government agencies, and organizations to transform ideas into thriving brand assets.
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Victor ISyambahttps://kenyaisopen.com/author/the-diplomat/
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Victor ISyambahttps://kenyaisopen.com/author/the-diplomat/
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Victor ISyambahttps://kenyaisopen.com/author/the-diplomat/