Some 13 foreigners have been arrested with fake or invalid work papers so far in government crackdown on aliens working in Kenya illegally.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i on Tuesday said 2,000 foreigners had been issued with work permits in the scrutiny that will run until July.

At the end of the exercise, Dr Matiang'i said foreign citizens found to be illegally holding Kenyan work papers will have them revoked.

He said the ministry will draw an amendment bill to compel those found without permits to work to raise cash for their air tickets back home.

Dr Matiang’i spoke as he briefed members of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (Kepsa), international organisations and diplomatic missions on the progress of the work permits verification and registration, which has been running since May 21.

The CS said investigations on how the 13 foreigners got the permits is under way and those found culpable will be punished.

He also said the audit cannot be moved to counties as had been suggested by some applicants, saying that will create room for “illegalities”.

Registration of persons department is one of the most corrupt in Kenya, according to EACC and Transparency International graft indexes.

In the ongoing registration, aliens working for short durations can apply for a special pass which is valid for 60 days and renewable once that period expires.