President William Ruto on December 12 announced the government’s decision to waive visa requirement for visitors coming to Kenya from across the world.
Speaking during the Jamhuri Day celebrations, Ruto said that Kenya will be a visa-free country beginning January 2024.
In his announcement, the Head of State cited various archaeological discoveries that in the past stated that Kenya was the cradle of humankind to buttress the decision to open borders to the world.
The President also referred to the Tobong’u Lore Festival which means “welcome home” to affirm the government’s resolve to open up Kenya for the world to explore.
“It is with great pleasure as President of this extraordinary country to make a historic announcement of the decision of the government of Kenya beginning January 2024, Kenya will be a visa free country,” he announced.
“It shall be no longer be necessary for any person from any corner of the world to carry the burden of applying for a visa to come from Kenya.”
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Ruto explains how govt will replace visa
According to President Ruto, Kenyan government has developed a digital platform to ensure that all travelers to Kenya are identified in advance on an electronic platform.
All travelers seeking to visit Kenya, according to him, will obtain electronic travel authorization prior to their arrival.
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“To implement this new policy, we have developed a digital platform to ensure that all
travelers to Kenya are identified in advance on an electronic platform,” he explained.
“All travelers will obtain electronic travel authorization’s announcement came days after Rwandan President Paul Kagame announced the move to waive visa requirements for all Africans.”
Kenya now joins a league other country in the world that allow visitors from all countries in the world entry without visas.
Instead, some of these countries use online authorization or visa on arrival to let in visitors in Kenya.
