Kenya is rolling out a digital nomad work permit program to attract remote workers from around the world and boost tourism revenues. Last year it brought in 352 billion Kenyan shillings ($2.7 billion) and more than 2 million tourists.
President William Ruto said the permit would attract a new set of tourists to wildlife safaris and beaches while fostering a “vibrant ecosystem that supports innovation and entrepreneurship.”
Kenya is the only African country consistently ranked among the top 20 countries worldwide for expatriate workers, according to data from expat community platform Inter Nations.
The digital nomad work permit may yet attract even more expatriates to the country. But some activists in the capital, Nairobi, fear an influx of digital nomads could drive up prices of housing and various services. The launch of a digital nomad working visa in South Africa earlier this year prompted social housing activists to raise concerns over the expected impact on rents.
