John AdoyiKenya has announced a delay in implementing its long-awaited visa-free policy for visitors, despite President William Ruto’s earlier pledge to start implementing it with effect from January 1st, 2024.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) announced it on Tuesday, revealing that the delay is attributed to pending changes in the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system used at the country’s airports and other points of entry. The ETA system, which is crucial for facilitating smooth entry and exit for travelers, is still undergoing development, prompting the authorities to postpone the implementation of the visa-free policy.
“Following the presidential directive that Kenya will be a visa-free country from January 2024, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system is in the process of development and implementation,” said KCAA. “All travelers coming to Kenya from countries that require visas shall continue applying for visas in the usual manner until the government communicates the change program to the ETA system.”
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The aviation authority noted that the implementation date will be communicated at a later date.
The U-turn in policy comes a few weeks after President Ruto on December 12 and at different occasions, asserted that Kenya is the home of humanity and that no one should go through the stress of applying for a visa before entering Kenya.
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“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. It will no longer be necessary for any person from any corner of the globe to carry the burden of applying for a visa to come to Kenya,” the President said.
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The president added that “To implement this new policy, we have developed a digital platform to ensure that all travellers to Kenya are identified in advance on an electronic platform; consequently, all travellers will obtain electronic travel authorisation as they come to Kenya.”
As of the time of filing this report, no reaction has been gotten from the presidency.
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