VFS Global has urged Kenyan travellers to remain vigilant against fraudulent agents and intermediaries as demand for international travel continues to rise, with visa application volumes increasing by 20% in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.
The global visa outsourcing and technology services provider reiterated its commitment to transparency, applicant protection and secure visa application services, while warning travellers against individuals who falsely promise early appointments, faster processing or guaranteed visa outcomes in exchange for payment.
The advisory comes as visa applications processed by VFS Global in Kenya continue to increase across several major destinations. During the first half of 2026, application volumes were 20% higher than in the corresponding period of 2025, following a strong 44% year-on-year increase recorded in 2025 compared with 2024.
Popular destinations including Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and Canada continue to attract strong demand from Kenyan travellers, while Australia and China are also recording positive growth trends.
The increase in applications is being driven by continued growth in international travel for tourism, business and visiting friends and relatives (VFR), as well as sustained interest in overseas education and increased forward planning by travellers.
“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,” said Stephen Kubasu, General Manager – Operations, VFS Global.
“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.”
Kubasu said the company remained focused on supporting governments and applicants through responsible processes, anti-fraud measures and services designed to facilitate safe and reliable travel from Kenya.
Strengthening applicant protection
VFS Global continues to conduct applicant-awareness initiatives aimed at helping residents identify and avoid fraudulent practices.
Applicants are reminded that visa appointments are booked through official channels and that no agent, employee or third party can guarantee an earlier appointment, faster processing or a positive visa decision.
Fraudsters may misuse company names, logos, social media listings, search engine pages and unofficial telephone numbers to mislead applicants.
VFS Global is urging residents to verify information exclusively through its official website, www.vfsglobal.com, and report suspicious activity through recognised contact channels.
As part of its safeguards in Kenya, the company has introduced measures including appointment verification, OTP-based appointment booking, validation of application and appointment references, anti-fraud messaging across applicant touchpoints and controlled entry into Visa Application Centres for applicants holding valid appointments.
Applicants are also encouraged to arrive on time for confirmed appointments, carry all required documentation and review official document checklists in advance to minimise delays resulting from incomplete or inaccurate submissions.
Expanding access to visa services
Alongside its anti-fraud and applicant-awareness initiatives, VFS Global continues to invest in convenient and accessible visa services for travellers across Kenya.
In addition to its Visa Application Centres in Nairobi, the company operates UK Premium Application Centres (NMPACs) in Eldoret and Mombasa to meet rising demand for travel to the United Kingdom.
The facilities complement the UK Visa Application Centre in Nairobi, which has been operational since October 2024.
The centres are intended to improve accessibility and convenience by allowing applicants to complete key stages of the UK visa application process closer to their homes, while maintaining VFS Global’s customer service and operational standards.
Optional services remain voluntary
VFS Global also provides optional services, where approved by client governments, to offer applicants additional convenience during the visa submission process.
These services may include assisted form-filling, courier return of passports, SMS notifications, Premium Lounge access and mobile submission services such as Visa At Your Doorstep, depending on the country of application and availability.
The company said the services are entirely optional, transparently priced and have no impact on either the outcome or processing time of a visa application.
Applicants can complete the standard visa application process without purchasing any optional service.
VFS Global maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards coercion, misrepresentation, fraud and unethical conduct, with allegations of misconduct reviewed under its governance and compliance processes.
The company has operated in Kenya since 2007 and currently services 24 client governments through a network of 25 Application Centres, supported by approximately 100 Kenyan nationals.
