Kenya will scrap visa requirements for all African nationals, President William Ruto announced on Tuesday. The change is aimed at boosting trade and allowing goods, services, people, and ideas to move freely across the continent.
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“By the end of this year, no African will be required to have a visa to come to Kenya,” Ruto said in a speech at a conference in Congo-Brazzaville. The move is part of a wider push by African leaders to boost intra-African trade and cooperation. Currently, only a handful of African countries allow visa-free travel for all African nationals.

Ruto said that the visa waiver would be implemented in three phases. The first phase, which will begin in December 2023, will allow citizens of 54 African countries to enter Kenya without a visa for up to 90 days. The second phase, which will begin in December 2024, will extend the visa-free period to 180 days. The third and final phase, which will begin in December 2025, will allow citizens of all African countries to live and work in Kenya without a visa.

The visa waiver is expected to have a significant impact on Kenya’s economy. According to the World Bank, intra-African trade accounts for only 15% of total African trade, compared to 50% in Europe and 25% in Asia. The visa waiver is expected to boost intra-African trade by making it easier and cheaper for African businesses to trade with each other.

“It is time we realise the importance of trading among ourselves and allowing goods, services, people and ideas to move freely across the continent,” he said.

The visa waiver is also expected to have a positive impact on Kenya’s tourism industry. According to the Kenya Tourism Board, international tourist arrivals increased by 23% in 2022, compared to 2021. The visa waiver is expected to further boost international tourist arrivals, especially from Africa.

“Our children from this continent should not be locked in borders in Europe and also be locked in borders in Africa,” Ruto said.
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