John AdoyiKenya’s President, William Ruto, has said there will be visa-free entry for everyone coming into the East African country, starting from January 2024.
The president announced this on Tuesday, during Kenya’s 60th Independence Day celebration popularly called Jamhuri Day in Kenya.
He stated, “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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Making the announcement, President Ruto said an electronic platform where people will register to get authorization will be provided.
“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.”
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President William Ruto has long been an advocate for a borderless Africa. According to him, Africa has the largest population of young persons and the roadblocks set by the borders are preventing Africa from achieving its potential in the world.
“We are the youngest continent in the world, with the greatest workforce and a great future market. That is not a continent you describe as a continent of conflict, disease, and poverty; it is a different continent. This is why we must eliminate the borders that create unnecessary roadblocks. That creates unnecessary stumbling blocks that create unnecessary hurdles to the huge potential of the huge opportunities that exist on our continent.” Ruto said.
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Before this announcement, citizens of 43 countries were allowed to visit Kenya with just their international passports.
Kenya has also been a hub of tourist visits in Africa, earning 268 billion shillings ($2.13 billion) from about 1.5 million visits in 2022 only.
It is believed that this new policy will bring more visitors to Kenya, expanding the tourism industry, and boosting the economy.
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