President William Ruto declared that, by the end of this year, Kenya will open its doors to all African visitors without the need for a visa. This game-changing decision, revealed during the Three Basins Climate Change Conference in Brazzaville, Congo, is set to revolutionize African travel and commerce.
President Ruto emphasized the significance of fostering trade among African nations, advocating for a reduction in customs tariffs across the continent to facilitate the swift implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area. He stressed the importance of free movement of goods, services, people, and ideas throughout the continent.
The removal of visa requirements has already yielded positive results in the East African Community, where trade has seen substantial growth due to eased travel restrictions. Kenya’s visionary move aims to bolster intra-African trade, and the President underlined the need for recognizing and incentivizing countries in tropical forest basins for their vital forest protection efforts.
Kenya’s commitment to visa-free travel is not a solitary instance. In recent months, the nation has made similar arrangements with various African countries. Notably, visa requirements for Angolans were abolished just last week, indicating a consistent drive to promote open borders within the continent.
President Ruto’s pledge to the African delegates during the African Private Sector Dialogue Conference on Free Trade in May hinted at a forthcoming era of visa-free visits to Kenya. The government’s openness to this initiative was further demonstrated in August when Indonesia became the third country that month to enjoy visa-free access to Kenya. Prior to that, Comoros and Senegal nationals were granted the freedom to enter Kenya without visas in July.
Kenya’s proactive stance on visa requirements aligns with agreements made with neighboring nations. In February of this year, Kenya and Eritrea established a mutual agreement to permanently scrap visa requirements for their citizens. In June, Kenya and Djibouti joined forces to advocate for a visa-free regime, paving the way for enhanced trade between the two nations. Furthermore, Kenyan passport holders were granted visa-free entry to South Africa following an agreement facilitated by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in November 2022.
This monumental decision by Kenya signifies a momentous shift in the African travel landscape. It is not only a testament to the country’s commitment to fostering trade and cooperation but also a beacon of hope for a united and interconnected Africa.
As this historic decision unfolds, it’s evident that Kenya’s leadership is determined to break down barriers and pave the way for a more integrated Africa. The initiative aligns with the broader vision of the African Union and the aspirations of African nations to boost intra-African trade, create economic opportunities, and enhance cultural exchanges.
Source: [Newsday Zimbabwe]
