Diplomats to pay over Sh150,000 annually for new permit in Kenya

Acting Interior CS Musalia Mudavadi addressing the media ahead of the 60 years of Kenya's diplomatic journey celebrations in December. [Collins Oduor, Standard] 

The Government has introduced a new work permit for international NGO employees working or residing in Kenya, with institutions required to pay over Sh150,000 for the permit. 

This was after acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi gazetted amendments to the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations Act.

Once fully implemented, diplomatic employees in Kenya will pay about Sh26,000 as a processing fee and approximately Sh130,000 for the annual renewal.

“Amendments aim to strengthen the current regulations on work permits, promoting our national interests through enhanced digital jobs, smooth regional integration, fairness, and increased foreign exchange for the Government while ensuring Kenya remains an attractive international and financial hub,” said Mudavadi in a statement on Tuesday, December 17.

He added that as Kenya is a diplomatic hub where workers are paid in foreign currency (USD), the government views the new fees as an opportunity to earn more foreign currency.

As such, Mudavadi noted, the fees will be charged in American Dollars.

The new permit, dubbed Class PT, will be issued to staff from the United Nations, Diplomatic Missions, Inter-Governmental Organizations like the Bretton Woods Institutions and International Non-Governmental Organizations.

Prior to these amendments, diplomatic staff typically maintained residences in Nairobi but would frequently travel to their stations and return. 

“Kenya’s main attraction for diplomatic staff is due to security, peace, and stability, the existence of good international schools and hospitals, ease of foreign travel, decent accommodation, world-class recreation facilities, a large international community, and stable internet in Nairobi,” he added.

On October 1, 2024, the government gazetted a new Class 'N' permit under Legal Notice No. 155, addressing the rise of digital nomads-young professionals working remotely for overseas companies who have made Kenya their residence.