The Kenyan immigration process can be complex and ever-changing. A plain-language overview of the permits employers ask about most.
Foreign nationals taking up employment in Kenya generally need a Class D work permit, tied to a specific employer and role. Processing takes time, so start early — ideally the moment an offer is accepted.
A special pass bridges the gap. It authorises work for a short, defined period while a substantive permit is processed, and is useful for urgent starts or short assignments.
Dependants travel on a dependant's pass linked to the primary permit holder. Keeping renewal dates in a shared calendar avoids the scramble — and the penalties — that come with lapsed status.