Jacky Kosgei 🏝

My heart goes out to those affected and still confused about what immigration laws to follow after yesterday’s deadline. Here is the legal position to help you plan. If you are a foreign national from an East African Community (EAC) country and intend to reside in Kenya while doing business, trade or working, you can regularise your stay by applying for a Class R Permit. Go to the Kenya eFNS portal on eCitizen and search for a ‘Class R’ Permit, available to EAC nationals who intend to reside in Kenya and earn a living. This includes nationals of Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan. Somalia is also an EAC Partner State. The Class R Permit itself is FREE. Meaning, the processing fee and the issuance fee are both 0 (zero). EAC nationals residing long-term must still fulfil standard Foreign National Registration requirements, such as the annual Alien Card fee, which is separate from the gratis Class R Permit. Here is what you require: You will need relevant supporting documents, including a valid passport and documents relating to your business or activity. Requirements may vary by sector. Small-scale traders may also be required to provide a Kenyan police clearance certificate where applicable. Application Process: Start online through the eFNS portal on eCitizen. Where physical submission is required, print your forms and supporting documents and submit them at Immigration Headquarters or designated regional Immigration offices. It is very important to note that not every EAC national visiting Kenya automatically needs a Class R Permit. EAC citizens enjoy general movement rights under the EAC Common Market framework, but those intending to reside, work, or run a business must ensure they hold the appropriate legal status. Please share this information widely to assist EAC nationals in regularising their stay and businesses safely. #VIP #EAC #EastAfrica #ImmigrationKenya