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Work permit without work in Kenya ?

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Beauhimself

I was also hoping to get some tips because I am planning to move to Kenya in March 2024 to start a new career.


My parents are originally from Burundi, but I myself was born in the Netherlands. This has given me the luxury of having 2 nationalities. My plan is to move to Kenya and register with my east african passport. I also want to use this to apply for a work permit.


However, I have not been able to find a job yet, but I still want to move out. I graduated as a bachelor psychologist and then did a bachelor in HR management. I also do support companies with their marketing strategy. I also have my own NGO that is registered. I help kids with education ( it’s a small NGO that I have with a couple of friends, something I wanna do more when I’m in Kenya)


I want to start applying more during my time in Kenya by visiting companies, I hope to have a better chance. My long term goal is to  invest in the country (I will take 23,000 euros of savings with me).  But first I want to get to know the country and work among the people. I am 27 and speak  Swahili, not great but I can have a good convo with locals.


I just don't see a work permit that suits me because I can't and don’t have  a job yet . Should I then apply for a special pass and continue my application in the country? What do you advise me to do? Because I can enter the country for 90 days without any problems with my burundian passport. I am also applying at the UN because it makes the process easier. But the competition there is pretty big so I doubt my chances. But I really do want to leave for Kenya in march.


If u have read this far thank u very much. Hopefully u can help me with some advice


Kind regards

Luc beau

Longonot62

Hello,

Firstly, have you researched whether being from an EAC country gives an advantage at all?  What is below would be the case for most foreigners who want to work and settle in Kenya.


Work permits are sponsored by the employer, who also has to evidence that they have attempted to fill the position locally and have been unable to.  For this reason, you must have the job offer first and the work permit is usually processed before you enter Kenya. 


For a Special Pass you also need to have a sponsor.  The only advantage of this is that you would be permitted to legally work (but only within the sponsors business, as I understand it).


It is often not at all easy for foreigners to get work in Kenya, due to the high level of skilled, yet unemployed labour and the consquent government priorities of favouring Kenyans over foreign workers.  The other element to consider is that a work permit gives you 2 years, during which a Kenyan is supposed to be trained to continue your role, so in lots of cases, the permit will not be renewed, so you may not be able to rely on this route for a long term move to Kenya.


Investment - EUR 23,000 is not enough to gain a permit as an investor - for that you need $100,000 minimum.

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