A Class A Work Permit is issued to foreign nationals who intend to engage in mining or prospecting activities in Kenya. It is governed by the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011 and the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Regulations, 2012, administered by the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services. Applications are submitted through the eFNS (electronic Foreign Nationals Service) platform.
Mining work permits require the holder to operate within the terms of the relevant mining licence or permit issued by the State Department of Mining.
Class A Work Permit Fee Summary Table
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Processing fee (non-refundable) | KES 20,000 | Payable at application; non-refundable regardless of outcome |
| Annual issuance fee | KES 500,000 per year | Payable upon approval for each year of permit validity |
| Express permit | USD 10,000 per year | Available for urgent applications |
| Appeals reprocessing fee | KES 20,000 | For applications appealing a rejection |
| Financial security (bank guarantee / insurance bond) | KES 100,000 | Required post-approval |
Fees revised effective 1 March 2024 under Kenya Gazette Supplement (Special Issue) gazette notices published in November 2023 and confirmed effective April 2024.
Key Requirements
Applications require a cover letter from the employer or company, a valid company registration certificate, KRA Tax Compliance Certificate, a description of the mining or prospecting activity, and work permits or immigration documentation for any existing foreign staff. Approval is subject to a determination by the Permits Determination Committee.
