Kenya High Commission in Ottawa, Canada
The Kenya High Commission in Ottawa serves Kenyan citizens across Canada and select Caribbean nations. Canada is home to a growing Kenyan diaspora of an estimated 30,000-50,000 people, concentrated in Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Vancouver.
Contact Details
Address
Kenya High Commission415 Laurier Avenue East
Ottawa, ON K1N 6R4
Canada
Phone
Opening Hours
| Monday - Friday | 09:00 - 15:30 |
| Consular Hours | 09:30 - 12:30 |
| Saturday - Sunday | Closed |
Jurisdiction
Canada, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, and other Caribbean nations
Location
Sandy Hill neighbourhood, near Rideau Canal. Bus routes from downtown Ottawa. Free street parking available.
Services Available
Passport & Immigration
- ePassport application & renewal
- Biometric capture
- Emergency Travel Documents
Consular
Citizenship & Diaspora
- Dual citizenship
- Diaspora registration
- Community outreach events
Trade
- Canada-Kenya trade facilitation
- Investment opportunities
- Educational partnerships
Kenya eTA for Canadian Citizens
Canadian citizens need a Kenya eTA:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Portal | etakenya.go.ke |
| Fee | USD 30 (~CAD 42) |
| Processing | 48-72 hours |
| Validity | 90 days from issue |
| Stay | Up to 90 days per visit |
Flights: Canada to Kenya
There are no direct flights between Canada and Kenya. Common routes:
| Route | Via | Airlines | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto (YYZ) - Nairobi (NBO) | London (LHR) | Air Canada + Kenya Airways | ~18-20 hours |
| Toronto (YYZ) - Nairobi (NBO) | Amsterdam (AMS) | KLM | ~18-20 hours |
| Toronto (YYZ) - Nairobi (NBO) | Dubai (DXB) | Emirates | ~22-24 hours |
| Vancouver (YVR) - Nairobi (NBO) | Dubai or Doha | Emirates, Qatar | ~24-26 hours |
Kenyan Community in Canada
- Population: Estimated 30,000-50,000 Kenyans in Canada
- Main cities: Toronto (GTA), Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Vancouver, Winnipeg
- Sectors: Healthcare (nursing especially), IT, engineering, finance, academia
- Immigration pathways: Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), Study permits, Family sponsorship
- Community organisations: Kenya Canadian Association, Kenya Diaspora Alliance Canada
ePassport for Kenyans in Canada
- Apply on eCitizen
- Pay online (KSH 4,550 or equivalent in CAD)
- Book biometrics at Ottawa High Commission
- Bring: current passport, national ID, eCitizen receipt
- Processing: 4-8 weeks
Kenyans in Toronto, Calgary, or Vancouver may need to travel to Ottawa for biometrics. The High Commission occasionally organises consular outreach visits to cities with large Kenyan populations - watch their announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Both Kenya and Canada allow dual citizenship. Under Kenya 2010 Constitution, you retain Kenyan citizenship when acquiring Canadian citizenship. Register your dual citizenship at the High Commission.
Canadians need a Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). Apply online at etakenya.go.ke before travel. Fee is USD 30 (~CAD 42), processing 48-72 hours, valid for 90 days.
Yes. The High Commission in Ottawa has jurisdiction over Canada and several Caribbean nations including Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and Barbados. Contact the embassy for services available in those countries.
Popular options include Wise (TransferWise) for best exchange rates, World Remit and Remitly for M-Pesa direct transfers, Western Union, and bank wire transfers. Wise and Remitly typically offer the lowest fees from Canada.