The central Bank of Kenya KYC regulations requires all foreign nationals who intend to open a bank account in Kenya to have immigration status or a local Kenyan mandated signatory to the account.

Foreign nationals and foreign owned Businesses may open Bank accounts in Kenya in certain circumstances.

Requirements to open a bank account for foreigners

1. Passport copies of directors and shareholders.
2. Proof of local address in Kenya
3. Proof of immigration status in the country. - Valid Immigration permit
4. Personal PIN (Tax certificate) of the Directors and shareholders
5. PIN certificate of the Company.
6. Copy of the Certificate if incorporation of the foreign owned company
7. Copy of Copy of CR12 of the company
8. Copy of Company memorandums and Articles of the Company.
9. Work pemit of foreign directors.

Can a tourist open a bank account in Kenya

Non Kenyans not engaged in Business, tourists, transit travelers etc are generally restricted in opening Bank accounts in Kenya and they may not achieve the threshold required to open a Bank account such as proof of permanent local address, immigration status, PIN certificate etc. However, in some instances where a foreign national is in the country for a long duration and has a multiple entry Permit, Special pass or other status may open a Bank account.