Kenya revives residency-by-investment plan to attract more global capital

Kenya is reviving plans to introduce a residency-by-investment programme as it seeks to attract more global capital and strengthen Nairobi’s position as East Africa’s investment hub.

The Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) is developing a framework that could grant long-term or permanent residency to foreign investors whose projects make a significant contribution to the economy.

The proposed programme, commonly referred to as a “golden visa” scheme, would offer qualifying foreign investors a pathway to long-term or permanent residency in the country.

The proposal is expected to assess investors based on the broader impact of their projects, including the amount of capital committed, jobs created, export potential and contribution to national development.

“We are exploring residency by investment,” KenInvest chief executive John Mwendwa said in an interview with a local daily.

He, however, noted that the programme would need clear criteria to ensure it delivers commercial value to Kenya.

“We have to have parameters that make commercial sense.”

The framework remains at an early stage, with the government yet to determine the investment threshold or identify the sectors that would qualify.

Since immigration policy falls outside Invest Kenya’s mandate, the proposed scheme would also require changes to the legal framework before it can be implemented.

Notably, the plan revives an idea first floated in 2019 but which did not materialise amid concerns about possible abuse and the need for stronger safeguards.

If approved, the programme would give Kenya an additional tool to compete for globally mobile investors alongside existing incentives such as tax relief and simplified regulations offered through Special Economic Zones, Export Processing Zones and the Nairobi International Financial Centre.

The scheme could be particularly beneficial to venture capital firms and startup founders, whose businesses require sustained engagement in the markets where they invest.

Venture capital partners often sit on company boards, recruit executives and work closely with portfolio companies, while founders need certainty as they build businesses over several years.

Kenya already hosts regional offices for firms including Antler, Capria Ventures, Delta40 and Enza Capital, supported by a strong startup ecosystem.

Kenyan startups attracted $984 million (Sh127 billion) in funding in 2025, the highest amount in Africa, while the country remained the continent’s leading startup funding destination in the first half of 2026.

Currently, foreign investors operate under the Class G Investor Permit and must maintain the status for at least seven years before applying for citizenship by registration.

A residency-by-investment programme could offer qualifying investors a more predictable long-term immigration pathway, helping Kenya compete with investment hubs such as Cape Town, Kigali and Mauritius.