Kenya Introduces Digital Nomad Work Permit

NAIROBI – Transit travellers through Nairobi will now be allowed to step out of the airport premises for business and pleasure following the introduction of transit and long-connection Electronic Travel Authorisation, Kenya’s President William Ruto announced Wednesday.

Ruto was speaking in the Kenyan capital during the Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2024 when he noted that the arrangement would eliminate the boredom of waiting at the airport for long hours to connect to their destinations when the travellers can step out for business and leisure.

“It will now be possible for travellers who have 12 hours instead of spending it at the airport, they can step out,”  Ruto said.

“They can come and enjoy a meal in the city, they can go to the National Park, they can see our wildlife, they can visit our national museum and be able to travel back. And that visa arrangement is being rolled out to make sure that we have additional numbers of people visiting our country.”

President Ruto also announced the introduction of Digital Nomad Work Permit, in a plan that targets global digital professionals who want to work remotely as they enjoy the country’s natural beauty.

This permit, the president said, is “specifically designed to welcome global digital professionals, allowing them to live and work in Kenya while enjoying the country’s natural beauty and high-quality lifestyle.”

“Kenya can be your home, where you and your family can experience the wonders of magical Kenya every day, all while serving clients from anywhere in the world on your digital platform,” Ruto said.

Following the announcement, Kenya joins the more than 25 countries that already offer visas for digital nomads.

According to a Migration Policy Institute report, as of June 2022, more than 25 countries and territories had introduced “digital nomad” visa programmes.

Source – Nation Media