Kenya To Lose Over KSh 5b Annually After William Ruto Scrapped Visa Requirement For Travellers

• President William Ruto declared Kenya a visa-free country as the country marked the 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations on Tuesday
• The abolishment was part of a broader embrace of globalisation and opening borders to drive the country's socio-economic development and boost tourism
• Ruto indicated that all visitors entering the country will be required to register on an electronic platform and obtain an electronic travel authorisation

TUKO.co.ke journalist Japhet Ruto brings over eight years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

Kenya is set to lose over KSh 5 billion annually in immigration visas and other consular fees after President William Ruto scrapped the visa requirement for travellers.

The National Treasury projected to raise KSh 5.67 billion from visa fees in the 2023/2024 financial year and KSh 5.7 billion in the subsequent year.

However, Business Daily reported that the government will forego the revenue from January 2024, when Kenya will be visa-free.

"Kenya is the home of humanity, a scientific fact that fills us with pride and underscores our rich heritage. 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," Ruto said on Tuesday, December 12, during the 12th Jamhuri Day celebrations.

Why William Ruto abolished foreign visas

Ruto emphasised that the digital system, kicking off in January 2024, would eliminate the need for visitors to apply for visas, a process that typically takes time.

The head of state indicated that all visitors entering the country will be required to register on an electronic platform and obtain an electronic travel authorisation.

The abolishment was part of a broader embrace of globalisation and the opening of borders to drive the country's socio-economic development and boost tourism.

How powerful is Kenya's passport?

Kenyan passport continues to maintain its status in the world travel sector, ranking among the top 10 in Africa.

A report by Henley & Partners released in March 2023 positioned Kenyan passports at number nine in the continent.

The African Wealth Report 2023 ranked Kenya fourth among Africa's top 10 wealthiest countries, with a 72 or 4.16% visa-free score in the Henley Passport Index.

This means the country's passport can access 32.16% of the world's destinations visa-free.