We no longer need visas in Africa, says Ruto

By Peter Ochieng

President William Samoei Ruto on Saturday reiterated his stand against visa requirements for one to move around the African continent.

The Head of State insisted that Africa should abolish visa requirements for its population, towards creating an African Free Trade Area (FTA).

Speaking during the Youth Connekt Africa Summit at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi, he said visa requirements were brought about by European nations which have since abolished them.

Ruto notes that FTA seeks to create a borderless market for African entrepreneurs, and businesses.

“Explain to me why we should continue having visas in our continent when those who taught us about visas have abandoned them.”

Ruto stated that Europe with a population of over 450 million people had abolished visa requirements in over 20 countries.

His stand comes on the backdrop of the statement he made in October, 2023, when he stated that Africans intending to travel to Kenya in 2024 will no longer need visas.

"By the end of this year, no African will need a visa to enter Kenya. The time has come to understand the importance of doing trade between us. It is time we realize the importance of trading among ourselves and allowing goods, services, people and ideas to move freely across the continent.”

He spoke while making a keynote address at the Three Basins Climate Change Conference in Brazzaville, Congo.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua speaking during the Youth Connekt Africa Summit, said the continent needs to invest in its youth.

“For Africa to redefine its development course and reap its demographic dividend by the year 2050, we must strategically invest in the potential of our youth,” he said.

“It is time for the youth of Africa to stand up and take their rightful place in leadership, in steering the Continent in socio-economic transformation,” added Gachagua.