U.S. Embassy in Kenya

Kenya has experienced a heightened threat of terrorism in recent months and violent crime rates remain high in certain areas. If you plan to travel to Kenya, please register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and make sure to review the current State Department travel advisory for Kenya.

Prospective U.S. investors should contact the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Washington, D.C. for specific information regarding visa requirements. As of May 2012, tourist visas can be obtained upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya.

For a fee, the Commercial Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kenya (CS Kenya) offers a Gold Key Service (GKS) that gives U.S. companies the advantage of U.S. Embassy expertise in scheduling one or more days of appointments with pre-screened potential agents, distributors, or other business contacts, according to the firm’s needs. The service includes research necessary to identify potential agents/distributors; contacting all potential prospects; a schedule of appointments with interested parties; available market research; a meeting with the industry sector specialist responsible for the sector, and a welcome kit containing security assessment and general tourism information.

CS Kenya also offers the International Partner Search (IPS) program, which assists exporters of U.S. goods and services in identifying interested and qualified potential representatives, distributors, licensees, franchisees, and strategic partners. Based on parameters provided by the client (product information, prices, etc.), CS Kenya conducts a search to identify up to five (5) qualified, reputable, and interested prospects.

Kenya boasts a number of active private sector organizations, including the American Chamber of Commerce in Kenya , the Kenya Association of Manufacturers , and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance

Please explore our website, which links to a number of valuable resources for businesses considering entering the Kenyan market. If you have further questions, feel free to contact the Commercial Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kenya (CS Kenya) at office.nairobi@trade.gov.