Kenyans seeking UK visa services are speaking out against a modern-day exploitation scheme at the hands of the UK Visa Application Centre in Westlands, Nairobi.
Media Personality Lynn Ngugi revealed that the centre is operated by the outsourcing firm VFS Global.
Further, she lamented that the centre, relocated from the former 9West building, lacks basic necessities.
The offices have no parking, no proper waiting areas, and no shelter for applicants.
Instead, those without access to the center’s VIP or Premium services, which cost extra Ksh17,000, are forced to wait outside on the pavement under the hot sun.
“Kenyans pay hundreds of dollars, wait in the sun, get misinformed, and walk away feeling less human.
“The new venue at Principal Place (yes, they left 9West) has no proper waiting area and no parking. This is by design to have you pay 17K for their VIP/Premium services,” said Lynn Ngugi.
Also Read: UK Ends Special Visa Deal With Kenya
UK Visa Centre on the Spot for poor Communication
Additionally, the media personality explained that the chaotic process is worsened by poor communication.
Ngugi explained that emails informing successful applicants that their passports are ready for collection do not specify the collection hours.
Therefore, many Kenyans arrive in the morning only to be turned away and told to return between 2pm and 5pm, unless they pay for expedited services.
Although VFS Global manages visa processing logistics, embassies are usually largely uninvolved in the day-to-day operations of the centres.
Also, the no-refund policy means applicants are not reimbursed if their visa is denied, despite the high costs involved.
For many Kenyans, this means spending tens of thousands of shillings with no guarantee and minimal accountability.
“These centres aren’t run by embassies, they’re outsourced to private companies who monetize your desperation. It’s a business, not a service. And guess what? No refund if your visa is denied.
“We have accepted that applying for a visa means surrendering your dignity just to maybe be allowed into a country that benefits from our labor, money, and talent.” added Ngugi.
Also Read: UK Waives Visa Requirements for 48 Countries; How it Works
Kenyans Lose Ksh234 Million on Visas
According to a report by London-based research firm LAGO Collective, in 2024, more than 60,000 Kenyans applied for Schengen visas, but 18,899 were rejected, leading to an estimated loss of Ksh234.7 million in non-refundable application fees.
It marked an increase from 2023, when 12,961 out of 55,251 applications were denied, resulting in a Ksh151 million loss, equivalent to a rejection rate of 23.46%.
In Kenya, applying for a Schengen visa, which allows short stays or transit in 29 European countries, costs about Ksh13,000. The fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether the application is successful or not.
Across Africa, visa rejections and non-reimbursed fees translated to a Ksh8 billion in losses in 2024 alone.
Countries with the highest rejection rates included Bangladesh (54.90%), Senegal (46.82%), and Guinea-Bissau (46.42%).
Among African nations, Nigeria and Egypt topped the list for the highest number of Schengen visa rejections, each recording over 50,000 denials and losing approximately Ksh586 million in visa fees.
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