VFS Global has issued a fresh warning to Kenyan visa applicants to be cautious of fraudulent agents and intermediaries, amid a sharp increase in demand for international travel.
The warning comes as visa applications processed by the company in Kenya rose by 20% during the first half of 2026 compared with the corresponding period in 2025.
The latest increase follows a 44% year-on-year growth in application volumes in 2025 compared with 2024, underlining the continued recovery and expansion of outbound travel from Kenya.
Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and Canada remain among the most popular destinations for Kenyan travellers, with Australia and China also experiencing positive growth in application volumes.
The rise in visa demand has been supported by growing travel for tourism, business and visiting friends and relatives (VFR), as well as increased interest in international education.
VFS Global also said travellers are increasingly planning their trips ahead of time, contributing to the sustained growth in visa applications.
Stephen Kubasu, General Manager – Operations at VFS Global, said applicants should be particularly careful when dealing with individuals claiming to have special access to visa appointments or decisions.
“Trust is central to the visa application experience. At VFS Global, our role is to provide applicants with a secure, transparent, and well-managed administrative process on behalf of our client governments,” Kubasu said.
He advised travellers to use only official VFS Global channels and avoid intermediaries who make promises that cannot be guaranteed.
“As international travel demand from Kenya continues to grow, we strongly encourage applicants to use only official VFS Global channels, avoid intermediaries who make false promises, and plan their applications well in advance,” he said.
The company said its focus remains on supporting governments and applicants through responsible processes, strong anti-fraud measures and secure services that facilitate international travel.
Protecting applicants from fraud
VFS Global continues to conduct applicant-awareness initiatives designed to help residents recognise fraudulent schemes.
The company has reminded applicants that visa appointments can only be booked through official channels and that neither agents nor VFS Global employees or third parties can guarantee earlier appointments, faster processing or successful visa outcomes.
Fraudsters have been known to misuse company names and logos, create misleading social media listings, manipulate search engine pages and use unofficial contact numbers to target applicants.
VFS Global has urged residents to verify all information through its official website, www.vfsglobal.com, and report suspicious activity through official contact channels.
The company has put in place several safeguards in Kenya, including appointment verification, OTP-based appointment booking and validation of application and appointment references.
It has also introduced anti-fraud messages across applicant touchpoints and controlled entry into Visa Application Centres for applicants holding valid appointments.
Applicants can further minimise delays by arriving on time, carrying all required documents and reviewing official document checklists before submitting their applications.
Improving access across Kenya
VFS Global is also expanding access to visa application services outside Nairobi.
The company operates UK Premium Application Centres (NMPACs) in Eldoret and Mombasa, complementing the UK Visa Application Centre in Nairobi, which has been operational since October 2024.
The centres are intended to make the UK visa application process more accessible by allowing applicants to complete key stages closer to where they live.
VFS Global said the centres operate under the same customer service and operational standards as its wider network.
Optional services
Applicants can also access optional services approved by client governments, depending on the country of application.
These may include assisted form-filling, courier return of passports, SMS notifications, Premium Lounge access and mobile submission support through services such as Visa At Your Doorstep.
VFS Global said these services are entirely optional and transparently priced. They have no bearing on the outcome or processing time of a visa application.
Applicants are free to complete the standard visa application process without purchasing any optional service.
The company maintains a zero-tolerance approach to coercion, misrepresentation, fraud and unethical conduct, with any allegations of misconduct reviewed under its governance and compliance processes.
VFS Global has been operating in Kenya since 2007 and currently services 24 client governments through 25 Application Centres, supported by a workforce of approximately 100 Kenyan nationals.
