RESETTLING IN KENYA AS A FOREIGNER

Kenya as a nation is the most favourite destination for most investors and foreigners wishing to resettle and permanently reside in eastern part of Africa. It is the largest and most advanced economy in East and Central Africa because of its strategic location which acts as a gateway to East and Central African region. With a border to the Indian Ocean, Kenya is well known as a production and distribution base that service Africa, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia and other Indian Ocean Islands.

Topographically, Kenya is stunning. Surrounded by calderas and mountain ranges, the Great Rift Valley strategically divides the country. To the east of this sweeping valley, you can climb the peaks of Mount Kenya and fish for trout in crystal-clear streams. To the coastal region, there lies a trove of coastal treasures. You can relax along beautiful beaches, experience the melting pot of cultures in Mombasa, Diani and Malindi as well as explore tropical islands steeped in Swahili history.

In this article we provide an insight on what foreigners wishing to retire or resettle in Kenya should have in mind.

Permit

The first thing foreigners wishing to retire in Kenya are required to have is Class K residence permit. This is an immigration Permit issued to foreign nationals wishing to reside in Kenya without engaging in any trade or employment. Below are the key requirements for this permit:

• Cover Letter of the applicant.
• Copy of Passport Bio data page of the applicant.
• Passport photo of the applicant.
• Proof of income not less that USD 24,000 annually. This can be in form of a pension, investment, fixed deposit, bank account statement or Property income, etc.
• Contact information of the applicant. (Email addresses, Telephone number, Postal address, proposed residential address in Kenya).
• Physical address and Residential address of the applicant.
• The applicant has to be above 35 years of age and show evidence of sufficient funds to sustain him/her in Kenya.
• Processing and government fee.

Accommodation

Other than a class K resident permit, one will also be required to consider an accommodation plan. Most retirees prefer purchasing a home for convenience’s sake. This plan is viable if you want your children or kin to inherit the property after you. The constitution of Kenya guarantees the right to property to every person. This means that not only local citizens can own property but also foreign nationals. Purchasing or leasing a home in Kenya is generally governed by the Land Act, Land Registration Act and in case of apartments the Sectional Properties Act.

Kenya has a wide range of real estate investment companies based in the city of Nairobi and the coastal region, which can offer foreigners affordable housing plans and apartments.

Citizenship

Upon a peaceful and lawful residence in Kenya for at least seven years, a foreigner can now apply for Kenyan citizenship. The constitution of Kenya guarantees citizenship by registration to every eligible foreign applicant. It provides that any person married to a citizen for a period of at least seven years or any person who has lawfully been resident in Kenya for at least seven years on application is entitled to be registered as a citizen. Additionally, the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act of 2011 requires all foreign nationals resident in Kenya for a period exceeding 90 days to be registered.

For more information or assistance with starting your life in Kenya, contact us on info@aowangaadvocates.com or +254794600191

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