The White House has clarified that the new Ksh 13 million (USD 100,000) fee for H-1B visa petitions is a one-time charge for new applicants only and will not affect existing visa holders or those seeking renewals. This clarification by White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt addresses initial confusion caused by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's earlier statements, reassuring Kenyans currently working in the U.S. on the program.

• The new H-1B visa fee is Ksh 13 million (USD 100,000), applied once to petitions.
• White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the fee is not annual and will not affect current H-1B visa holders.
• The fee is intended to protect American nationals from cheaper foreign labor and applies only to new applicants in the upcoming lottery cycle, with the H-1B visa supporting professionals in fields like technology, finance, and engineering.