Kenya has announced a landmark shift in its immigration policy, granting visa-free entry to citizens of nearly all African countries.
The directive, issued by the cabinet last Tuesday, aims to promote regional integration, enhance tourism, and align with open skies policies.
However, Somalia and Libya remain excluded from the policy due to ongoing security concerns.
Easing Travel for African Visitors
Under the updated policy, citizens from most African nations can enter Kenya without prior authorization and stay visa-free for up to two months.
Members of the East African Community (EAC), including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, will enjoy extended stays of up to six months, consistent with the bloc’s agreements.
Kenya’s previous visa-free policy, introduced last year, required visitors to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling.
Critics had labeled the ETA a “visa under another name” due to its mandatory application and $30 fee. The new directive eliminates this requirement for most African travelers.
Security and Efficiency Measures
While the move is expected to simplify travel for African visitors, the exclusion of Somalia and Libya highlights Kenya’s focus on addressing security risks.
The government is also implementing new systems to strengthen pre-screening processes and streamline passenger entry. According to the cabinet statement, ministries have been tasked with proposing guidelines to improve the traveler experience at Kenyan airports within a week.
Kenya has historically faced security challenges from al-Shabab militants operating in neighboring Somalia, which may have influenced the exclusion of certain nations from the visa-free policy.
Regional Trends in Visa Liberalization
Kenya joins a growing list of African countries easing travel requirements to boost continental mobility. Earlier this year, Ghana introduced visa-free entry for African passport holders, and Rwanda continues to allow unrestricted access for African visitors.
The African Union (AU) has been a strong advocate for facilitating intra-continental travel, emphasizing its importance for economic growth and regional cooperation.
Mixed Results for Kenya’s Openness
Despite the push for greater accessibility, Kenya’s ranking in the 2024 Africa Visa Openness Index fell 17 places to 46th out of 54 nations, signaling challenges in balancing security, ease of travel, and openness.
The visa-free policy aims to reverse this trend by encouraging tourism and fostering closer ties across Africa. However, its implementation and effectiveness will depend on timely guidelines and the efficiency of newly introduced systems.
