RUTO postpones visa-free program even after raising hopes of millions of people who want to come to Kenya – Is he having second thoughts?

Friday January 5, 2024 - The Government has announced that it was postponing President William Ruto’s directive on Visa-free entries to Kenya to a yet to be announced date.  

In a statement to Kenyans, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) noted that the alternative entry application model, the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system was yet to be fully developed. 

As such, travelers visiting the country will still be required to apply for a Visa through Kenyan Embassies, as has been the norm. 

“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." 

“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," Officials at KCAA confirmed. 

The ETA system, according to Government Spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura, is meant to control the influx of visitors once the visas are scrapped.

Travellers will be charged Ksh 4,600 during the application for the permit, an amount lower than Ksh 7,600 for a single-entry visa. 

ETA systems also provide an extra layer of security and enhance efficiency in that they cut off unnecessary delays, facilitating the free movement of people across borders. Kenya is also expected to leverage Integrated border management systems at airports to curb illegal movements.

Nonetheless, details on how the authorities will monitor activity and deny entry to travelers who pose a threat to the country's national security are yet to be revealed.

President William Ruto, on Jamhuri Day, announced that Kenya was moving towards becoming a Visa-free country, whereby all international visitors would be granted access to the country. 

While making his statement, Ruto said that the move aligned with global aspirations to facilitate seamless travel between countries and boost the local Tourism industry. 

The Kenyan DAILY POST