Living in Kenya
Information about moving to, living or retiring in Kenya – including visas, working, healthcare and driving.
Getting help with living in Kenya
Help from the Kenyan government
For any questions about moving to or living in Kenya, you may be able to get help from the:
The UK government and the British High Commission in Nairobi cannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in Kenya.
Professional help in Kenya
You can also get help from professionals in Kenya, including:
- lawyers
- notaries
- funeral directors
Help from the UK government
Read the travel advice for Kenya to understand the risks you may face if you live in or visit Kenya. This includes the latest information on:
- visas and entry requirements
- laws and cultural differences
- safety and security
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad.
Get help from the UK government abroad, including in an emergency.
Laws and cultural differences
Read about laws and cultural differences in safety and security in the travel advice for Kenya. This includes:
- illegal drugs and prison sentences
- LGBT+ laws
- wildlife, animal products and souvenirs
Visas, residency and citizenship
Make sure you meet the entry requirements for Kenya before you travel.
Visas and residence permits
Kenya has replaced its visas with electronic Travel Authorisations (eTAs).
You will need an electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before you arrive in Kenya. You can apply online for an eTA.
For more information, contact Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) Services.
Once in Kenya, you can apply for a pass or permit to allow you to:
- work
- study
- stay with family
If you want to extend your eTA, pass or residence permit visit the electronic Foreign Nationals Services (eFNS) website or contact the Kenyan Directorate of Immigration Services.
For more information, read guidance:
- on immigration passes for foreign nationals, from the Kenyan Directorate of Immigration Services
- from the Kenya High Commission in London
Registering as a resident
To stay in Kenya for longer than 90 days you need to register your residency and apply for a Foreign National Certificate (Alien Card).
If you have any problems or questions about registering your residency:
Permanent residency
You may be able to apply for permanent residency in Kenya.
To find out if you’re eligible and how to apply:
- read guidance on permanent residence in Kenya
- contact the Kenyan Directorate of Immigration Services
Citizenship
Kenya recognises dual citizenship. This means that you do not have to give up (renounce) your British citizenship to become a Kenyan citizen.
To find out if you’re eligible for Kenyan citizenship:
- read guidance on Kenyan citizenship and applying for dual citizenship of Kenya
- contact the Kenyan Directorate of Immigration Services
- contact the Kenya High Commission in London
Help with visa, residency and citizenship applications
The British High Commission in Nairobi cannot help with Kenyan visa, residency or citizenship applications.
For any questions or issues, contact:
Passports and travel
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- apply for a British passport from abroad
- travel urgently without your British passport
Dual citizens travelling to the UK
When travelling to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. Read guidance on dual citizenship.
Resident children travelling without a parent or legal guardian
Children aged 17 and under must carry a letter of authority if they’re travelling out of Kenya without their parent or legal guardian. For more information:
- read about parental consent and guardianship, in the Kenyan government’s guidance on travelling to Kenya with children
- contact the Kenya High Commission in London or the Kenyan Immigration Assistance Service
Healthcare in Kenya
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- plan your healthcare
- take medicine abroad
Kenya does not have a reciprocal health agreement with the UK.
Make sure you have appropriate health insurance to cover any healthcare costs. You can get private health insurance from Kenyan or international providers. For more information on private insurance in Kenya, visit the Kenyan Insurance Regulatory Authority website.
The Kenyan Social Health Authority provides public health insurance. You can take part in this, or take out private health insurance.
To find out how to get medical treatment:
- contact your insurance provider
- read guidance on health in Kenya
- find medical facilities and doctors for British nationals in Kenya
Working in Kenya
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers working abroad, including documents you may need from the UK government.
To work in Kenya, you need a work permit or work visa.
The Directorate of Immigration Services explains the different work permits and passes available to you.
Recognition of qualifications
If you want to work in Kenya, you may need to get your foreign qualifications recognised.
Driving in Kenya
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- drive abroad legally
- take your UK vehicle abroad
- get driving licence letters
Read about road travel in Kenya, in safety and security in the travel advice for Kenya. This includes information on driving in Kenya, including driving licence rules.
The Kenyan National Transport and Safety Authority provides information on driving in Kenya, including how to:
- apply for a provisional Kenyan driving licence
- get a new Kenyan driving licence
- book a Kenyan driving test
Disabled drivers
You may be able to apply for a Kenyan disabled parking permit by registering with the Kenyan National Council for Persons with Disabilities.
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Kenya, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Tax
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers tax, including paying UK tax and National Insurance.
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Kenya so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.
Contact the Kenya Revenue Authority for any questions.
Consider getting professional advice on paying tax in Kenya. To do this, find a lawyer in Kenya.
Pensions
Claiming your UK pension
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- how to claim your UK State Pension
- where the UK government pays an annual increase in the State Pension
Claiming a Kenyan pension
Contact the National Treasury of Kenya to find out whether you can claim a pension in Kenya.
Benefits
Claiming UK benefits
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to claim UK benefits abroad, including Child Benefit.
Claiming Kenyan benefits
Contact the National Social Security Fund to find out whether you can claim benefits and grants in Kenya.
Buying and renting property in Kenya
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers buying and renting property abroad.
Generally, foreign nationals cannot own freehold land in Kenya, but can buy leasehold property. Contact a lawyer in Kenya if you’re considering buying property or land.
Voting in Kenya
UK elections
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- vote in UK elections from abroad
- register as an overseas voter
Kenyan elections
You cannot vote in Kenyan elections unless you hold Kenyan citizenship.
Studying in Kenya
If you plan to study in Kenya, you must apply for an electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before you travel. You will also need a student pass.
For more information:
- read guidance on travel grants for students studying abroad or on placements (England)
- contact your higher education provider in the UK or Kenya
- contact the Kenyan Ministry of Education
Children
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers moving abroad with children, including:
- getting permission to take your child abroad
- claiming UK Child Benefit abroad
- child maintenance payments if a parent lives abroad
Schools and education
The Kenyan Ministry of Education provides information about the school system in Kenya.
All children aged 6 to 13 must attend school or home school in Kenya.
For more information, contact the Kenyan Ministry of Education.
Childcare
The State Department for Children Services is responsible for childcare services in Kenya, which are regulated by the National Council for Children’s Services.
Most parents in Kenya arrange private childcare for their children. Options include daycare centres and home-based childcare.
Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships
Births
If your child is born in Kenya, register the birth with the Kenyan authorities.
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- register the birth with the UK authorities to get a UK birth certificate
- apply for your child’s first British passport
Deaths
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- what to do after someone dies abroad
- how to register the death with the UK authorities
If someone dies in Kenya, read guidance on:
Marriages and civil partnerships
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get married or get a civil partnership abroad.
You can also read the Kenyan Registrar of Marriage’s guidance on marriage services in Kenya.
Same sex marriages and civil partnerships are not legally recognised in Kenya. For information about LGBT+ rights in Kenya, read guidance on safety and security in the travel advice for Kenya.
Divorce and separation
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get a divorce or end a civil partnership.
Consider taking legal advice from a lawyer in Kenya.
Documents for British people in Kenya
Read our guidance on documents for British people abroad. This covers:
- legalising and certifying UK documents
- marriage and civil partnership documents
- affirmations and affidavits
- witnessing signatures
Lawyers and notaries
To find an English-speaking lawyer or notary in Kenya, read guidance on professional services if you’re abroad.
Pets
If you want to bring your pet with you to Kenya, read guidance on:
Returning to the UK
Read returning to the UK permanently. This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services.
Disclaimer
We provide this information as a guide only. For definitive information, contact the Kenyan authorities.
Read our consular information disclaimer.
Updates to this page
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Rewrote guide to make it easier to read and understand. Includes new information about dual citizens travelling to the UK ('Passports and travel' section).
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Updated version
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Updated with extra details
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old content replaced with new and latest information
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First published.
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Coronavirus section added with a link to guidance on vaccines.
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Updated entry and residence requirements for British nationals in Kenya.