Kenya is stepping onto the international scene by introducing new work permits or visas for digital nomads, starting October 2, 2024.
The initiative, announced by President William Ruto at the 2024 “Magical Kenya Travel Expo,” is expected to attract 5 million tourists, remote workers and digital nomads by 2027.
But pause for a moment and set aside your preconceived notions about Kenya—this country offers much more than its stunning Serengeti.
In recent years, Kenya has emerged as a powerhouse in Africa’s tech landscape, earning the nickname of “Silicon Savannah.”
Instead of elephants and lions, Nairobi, the nation’s capital, is full of investors, start-ups, and tech hubs, drawing entrepreneurs from around the world with its innovations in sectors like energy, climate change, healthcare and education.
The country’s rising success has been linked to its leadership in mobile technology, with innovations like M-Pesa, a mobile money platform that has become a game changer in financial development.
What many do not know is that over 90 percent of Kenyans use mobile money services, positioning the country at the forefront of fintech across the entire African continent.
President Ruto firmly believes that the country can offer digital nomads a perfect mix of work-life balance and productivity while boosting its renowned wildlife tourism industry.
“Digital nomads can experience the wonders of Magical Kenya every day while contributing to local economies,” said Ruto. “This initiative [offering visas for digital nomads] not only enhances our appeal as a destination but also fosters a vibrant ecosystem that supports innovation and entrepreneurship.”
Additionally, Kenya has introduced a new Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) specifically for those who have long stayovers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
With this permit, travelers will have the opportunity to explore Kenya while waiting for their next flight, turning extended boring layovers into unexpected opportunities to enjoy the country.
Other African Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas
As the headline of this article suggests, Kenya is not the only African country offering visas for digital nomads.
Other nations seeking to attract remote workers include Mauritius, Ghana, South Africa, Cape Verde, Namibia and the beautiful Seychelles.
Most of these countries provide straightforward visa programs, allowing nomads to live and work in these destinations for six months to two years.
Is Kenya a Safe Country for Digital Nomads?
Kenya offers memorable experiences for digital nomads, with its lush landscapes, national parks and bustling cities like Nairobi.
While this destination is generally safe for digital nomads and tourists, it’s still important to take common-sense precautions, such as avoiding less safe areas at night or not wearing overly expensive jewelry in public.
According to the US State Department, petty theft and occasional violent crime can happen even in tourist areas.
To minimize risks, it’s advisable to stay away from the Kenya-Somalia border, Turkana County and certain Nairobi neighborhoods like Eastleigh and Kibera, due to the potential risk of kidnappings.
Despite these warnings, the U.S. government ranks Kenya at Level 2 for safety, meaning it’s considered as safe as Spain or Italy.
Does Kenya Have the Necessary Infrastructure for Digital Nomadism?
Kenya has made significant efforts to develop the best infrastructure to welcome digital nomads and entrepreneurs.
Nairobi boasts a growing number of coworking spaces like Nairobi Garage and iHub, venues that have also served as startup incubators. In addition, the country offers affordable and reliable internet services, which are essential for remote workers’ productivity.
Of course, there are challenges. But “while these challenges are real, Kenya remains a hub in Africa’s overall tech ecosystem and a preferred place to launch a technology venture in Africa,” states Jit Bhattacharya, CEO and co-founder of e-mobility startup BasiGo.