Kenya to abolish EAC work permits

01 Apr, 2010

Kenya is taking steps to abolish work permit requirements for people from other East African Community (EAC) member states who wish to work in the country. Currently only citizens of Rwanda are exempt from the requirements under a bilateral agreement with the Kenyan government. People from Tanzania, Uganda and Burundi all need special permits to work in Kenya.

The EAC and immigration ministers are working together to legalise the move, the Daily Nation reports. However, no timeframe has been given for the change.

Meanwhile preparations are underway for the implementation of a regional common market from 1 July. This is the second stage of regional integration after the introduction of a customs union on 1 January 2010, paving the way for a possible future single currency and political federation.