These indefinite permits are not applied for through the Embassy in Nairobi, but rather at the immigration office after several years of residence in Germany. National visas (e.g., for study, skilled workers, Blue Card, family reunification) are the first step; a settlement permit is granted later upon fulfillment of legal requirements (minimum stay, pension contributions, language and integration achievements).
Shorter processing times apply for Blue Card holders (21–33 months); for other skilled workers, the typical timeframe is 4–5 years.