The nature and effects of immigration Laws on foreign direct investment in Kenya (1990-2012)

Abstract

The study aims to look at the nature and effects of Immigration laws on foreign direct investment in Kenya covering the period 1990-2012, in the context of Kenya’s regulatory environment and investor permits issued by the Immigration Department in particular in the period year1990-2012. The study presents FDI trends in Kenya, using official government data from immigration department of Kenya, the KNBS, and the World Bank. To add on the official data, the study also discusses investor permits as issued by the Immigration Department of Kenya; it gives an overview on regulations on Immigration processes in investor permits issuance, provides comparative analysis of laws in effect and amendments introduced. It gives statistical data on the annual investor permits issued annually as well as some key points of the Kenyan immigration laws their amendments and regulations the study is guided by the following objectives; To establish the state of legal and regulatory framework for FDI in Kenya, To determine how immigration laws impacts on Kenya’s economic development and To examine the trends of FDI in Kenya, the study has been done on the Kenya Immigration department and among foreigners who have invested in the country. Data have been collected through Questionnaires, books and Documentary Review and reports. Questionnaires were open-ended questions, which allowed individuals to express their views concerning Immigration laws and FDI in Kenya. Thus both qualitative and quantitative methods have been collectively employed in the process of collecting data and information required in this research. The analysis of data has been done on tables and graphs. The study finding shows that Immigration laws should be reviewed from time to time to keep in tab with the globalizing world. Also the study notes that such infrastructure as Roads, Airports and Railways need significant improvement for attracting more Foreign Direct Investments in Kenya. Indeed it is important to review incentives granted to Investors from time to time in order to make sure that they serve the intended objectives. Plus all the institutions involved in the FDI process should work together to create and have a common ground on foreign investments.