Nearly seven in ten Kenyans who applied for US tourist and business visas in the 2025 fiscal year had their applications rejected, forfeiting thousands of shillings in mandatory, non-refundable processing fees.
Data shows Kenya recorded a 68.23% refusal rate for B1 and B2 visas during that period. Because the US government does not refund application fees under any circumstances, the majority of applicants processed through the US Embassy in Nairobi lost their upfront payments.
For 2026, the baseline Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee stands at USD 185, or roughly KSh 24,050 at an exchange rate of KSh 130 to the dollar. This charge applies uniformly to common nonimmigrant categories, including tourism and business (B1/B2), student (F1), exchange visitor (J1), and crewmember or transit (C1/D) visas.
The Nairobi embassy handles more than 100,000 visa applications annually, making it one of the busiest consular posts in Africa. Due to high demand and the steep rejection rate, applicants are advised to prepare thoroughly and book several weeks to three months ahead of their intended travel dates.
Specialized visa categories carry higher upfront costs. The H1B specialty worker visa costs USD 205 (about KSh 26,650), while the K1 fiancé(e) visa is priced at USD 265 (roughly KSh 34,450). Applicants seeking a CR1 or IR1 spouse visa must pay USD 325, or approximately KSh 42,250.
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