Kenya
Republic of Kenya · Capital: Nairobi
East Africa's commercial, tech and humanitarian hub, with the 'Silicon Savannah' startup scene in Nairobi, mobile-money leadership and a new digital-nomad visa.
Migration statistics
Who is arriving
Top source countries and the make-up of recent arrivals into Kenya.
Policy overview
2 visa routes into Kenya
Eligibility, fees, processing times and whether each route leads to permanent residence.
Digital Nomad Work Permit
Digital nomadKE-DNV
Residence for remote workers earning from outside Kenya.
Eligibility
- Foreign income ~US$55k/yr
- Remote employer/clients
Document checklist (8 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
KE-D
Employer-sponsored permit for a skilled role not fillable locally.
Eligibility
- Job offer
- Proof no local can fill it
Document checklist (9 items)
Core
Professional
Background
Economic context
The numbers behind the move
Pay reflects the local market in Kenya, what you'd typically earn there, not your current salary.
Skill shortages
Sectors actively recruiting from abroad
Where Kenya needs foreign talent most, and what those roles pay.
Tech & fintech
Home of M-Pesa and a thriving fintech and startup ecosystem.
Development & conservation
A major base for NGOs, UN agencies and conservation work.
Recent changes
What's changed lately
Recent policy changes that affect migrants, newest first.
No policy changes recorded in the last 90 days. The intelligence agent is monitoring.
Quality of life
What living there feels like
Nairobi
Tech & NGO capitalThe 'Silicon Savannah' with the region's startups, NGOs and corporate HQs.
- Cost index
- 46
- 1-bed rent
- $550
- Quality
- 60
Mombasa
Indian-Ocean portA warm coastal port and beach hub with a relaxed Swahili culture.
- Cost index
- 38
- 1-bed rent
- $400
- Quality
- 62
Nakuru
Rift Valley cityA fast-growing Rift Valley city near national parks and farmland.
- Cost index
- 32
- 1-bed rent
- $280
- Quality
- 60
Safety & climate
The reception you can expect
How welcoming the public and political mood is, how safe it is, and how geopolitically stable the country is right now.
Anti-migrant sentiment
trendA regional hub welcoming professionals, founders and aid workers; petty corruption persists.
Higher = more hostile public/political climate.
Geopolitical stability
A composite of governance, security and regional-risk signals. Higher means a more predictable environment for settling long term.
Higher = more stable.
Safety
Nairobi requires real precautions; expat suburbs and safari regions are managed.
Higher = safer (crime index 58/100).
Where to live
Which Kenya city fits you?
Cities matched to who you are, career, family, retirement, study or remote work. We flag the ones to consider and the ones to approach with care.
Nairobi
Green, high-altitude hustle
The 'Silicon Savannah' with the region's startups, NGOs and corporate HQs.
Nakuru
Lakeside & agricultural
A fast-growing Rift Valley city near national parks and farmland.
Mombasa
Swahili coast
A warm coastal port and beach hub with a relaxed Swahili culture.
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Immigration solicitors for Kenya
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