Expert: Gichuchu Okeno - 10/29/2009

Question
I am planning to move to Kenya i want to buy land and work with time start my own business. do i have to be a citizen? how do i become a citizen of Kenya and can i own land?

Answer
Dear Rachel,

Very sorry for the late delay. Now I have done good home work on this request and the best advice I have is to follow the normal procedure which is slow but sure and inexpensive.
First what you need to do is to register's company here with a Kenyan partner even if share is 90%/10% You own and 90% and your partner owns 10% of the company shares.After registering this your company then you will use the company to apply for your Kenyan residency or even investor Kenya resident permit. With this kind of permits you are able to live and operates business here legally.
Now as soon as you get the resident permits then your partner should transfer back to you shares and the partner remain with only 1%  you get the Kenyan citizenship and then your partner will transfer the 1% back to you and you will be on your own.

Now about the land as soon as your company is registered , you will be able to buy land but on this issue if you wish you I can help you to locate where to buy land and guide you on safe purchasing.
Above all you will need to come here and see how thing work. May be you can contact by email directly and will send you more information which I cannot put on the inter net.

Thanks,
Okeno.