Kenyans living in the United Kingdom now face the risk of being deported immediately after sentencing if they commit serious crimes. The British government has introduced strict new laws that allow the removal of foreign nationals’ rights after conviction, without the lengthy prison terms previously required.
This policy change marks a significant escalation in the UK’s approach to foreign offenders. It is part of a broader campaign to tighten border controls, protect public safety, and reduce the cost of running overcrowded prisons.
The inclusion of Kenya on the UK’s immediate deportation list sends a clear warning—any Kenyan who commits a felony in Britain could be sent back home without delay.
Why the UK Has Changed Deportation Laws
The UK government announced the changes on Sunday, August 10, under its “Plan for Change” initiative. This policy aims to ensure that foreign criminals no longer serve extended prison terms in Britain before being removed.
Previously, foreign nationals had to serve at least half of their prison sentence before deportation could be considered. In June 2025, this threshold dropped to 30 per cent. Now, certain cases will see offenders deported immediately after sentencing.
UK Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood strongly supports the changes. She stated that the aim is to keep British streets safe and to cut costs for taxpayers.
“If you abuse our hospitality and break our laws, we will send you packing,” she said.
Overcrowded Prisons and Rising Costs
One major driver of the policy is the pressure on the UK’s prison system. Facilities in England and Wales are operating near 100 per cent capacity.
Housing an inmate costs an estimated Ksh9.4 million (£54,000) a year. By deporting foreign offenders early, the government hopes to ease the strain on prisons and redirect funds to other priorities.
Surge in Deportations
Since July 2024, deportations of foreign national offenders (FNOs) have increased by 14 per cent. Over the past year alone, more than 5,200 foreign offenders have been removed from the UK.
Kenya’s inclusion on the list of 15 newly added countries means its citizens join those from Uganda, Malaysia, Canada, and India in facing the “Deport Now, Appeal Later” policy. This allows the UK to deport offenders first and deal with legal appeals afterward.
Why Kenyans Are on the List
The UK government has cited concerns about an emerging trend of cross-border criminal activity involving Kenyan nationals. While the majority of Kenyans in the UK are law-abiding residents, authorities have linked certain cases to organised crime networks and immigration abuse.
Current prison statistics reveal that 12.3 per cent of inmates in England and Wales are foreign nationals, amounting to 10,700 individuals. While Albanians and Irish nationals top the list, Kenyan offenders are now on the radar of British authorities.
Global Trend Against Foreign Offenders
The UK’s move mirrors a wider global crackdown on non-citizen crime. The United States, for example, has already taken similar measures.
In January 2025, reports revealed that over 1,200 Kenyans in the US had received final deportation orders after exhausting all legal appeals. Under President Donald Trump’s administration, the US implemented strict deportation policies that remain in effect today.
The UK appears to be taking a similar stance — deporting first, reviewing later.
What Immediate Deportation Means for Kenyans
For Kenyans in the UK, this means the margin for error is now razor-thin. A conviction for a serious offence could result in a one-way ticket back to Nairobi within days.
The new rules leave little room for delay. Appeals can still be filed, but the process will happen after deportation, making it harder for offenders to contest their removal.
Advice for Kenyan Nationals in the UK
Legal experts advise Kenyans in the UK to remain aware of their rights but also to understand that the law now favours rapid removal over extended due process. Even minor run-ins with the law could trigger immigration reviews, especially for those with previous offences.
Staying informed about UK laws, avoiding high-risk situations, and keeping immigration documents up to date are more important than ever.
