U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled a bold new plan that could open the door for wealthy Kenyans to secure American citizenship with a single hefty payment.
Dubbed the “Trump Gold Card,” this initiative promises permanent residency and a pathway to U.S. citizenship for a cool $5 million (approximately Ksh 650 million).
Announced earlier this week, the plan is set to replace the existing EB-5 investor visa program, and it’s already sparking curiosity among Kenya’s elite.
Speaking from the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump described the gold card as a premium upgrade to the traditional green card.
“We’re going to be selling a gold card. It’s going to give you green card privileges, plus it’s a route to citizenship. Wealthy people will be coming into our country by buying this card—they’ll be successful, spending lots of money, and paying lots of taxes,” he said.
For Kenyans with deep pockets, this could be a golden ticket to the American dream.
How it works for Kenyans
The Trump Gold Card is straightforward; pay $5 million, and you’re in.
Unlike the EB-5 program, which required investments of at least $1 million (or $800,000 in certain areas) into U.S. businesses that create jobs, the gold card appears to ditch those extra steps.
Trump’s team hasn’t detailed specific requirements yet, but Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick hinted that applicants will face vetting to ensure they’re “world-class global citizens.”
For Kenya’s business moguls, politicians and high-flying entrepreneurs, this could be a game-changer.
Trump even suggested that companies could buy these cards for top talent, raising the possibility that Kenyan firms might sponsor their star employees for a shot at U.S. residency.
Can Kenyans afford it?
At Ksh 650 million, the gold card isn’t for the average Kenyan but Kenya’s elite might see it as a steal.
With no cap on how many cards will be sold, unlike the EB-5’s annual limit of 10,000, the door’s wide open for those who can pay.
Trump even quipped that Russian oligarchs could qualify, adding, “I know some who are nice people—they can afford five million dollars.”
