Ruto promises to abolish visa requirement while traveling to Kenya

By Robert Mutasi 

President William Ruto has expressed his intention to abolish visa requirements for Kenyans and other foreigners traveling to Kenya. 

This initiative aims to facilitate the smooth migration of people from other countries and the diaspora to Kenya.

Speaking at the Africa Climate Summit 2023 at the KICC in Nairobi on Monday, Ruto questioned the necessity of visa requirements for those traveling to the country.

"In a few months, we, as Kenyans, will be having a conversation. We are seriously considering abolishing any visa requirements for travel to Kenya," he said while addressing the delegates at the KICC.

He emphasized that Kenya should be considered a home country for those willing to travel there.

"It is unfair to ask anyone coming home for a visa," Ruto added.

In June 2023, Kenya and Djibouti agreed on a visa-free regime to expedite trade and increase investments.

However, there have been visa backlogs since 2020 due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

On August 21, President William Ruto announced the extension of visa-free entry to Kenya for Indonesian citizens, aiming to promote tourism and socio-cultural ties.

"A significant step in this direction must remain the relaxation and progressive abolition of visa restrictions to entry between our two nations," said President Ruto in a joint press briefing with Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Monday, August 21.

Kenya has been actively seeking agreements with other countries to establish visa-free entry, in an effort to enable free migration and boost trade.