William Ruto Declares Kenya Visa Free Country Starting January 2024

• President William Ruto officially declared Kenya a visa-free country to relieve travellers of the burden of applying for visas manually
• The president stated that there would be a digital programme to register the travellers and issue them with electronic travel authorisation
• He made the historic announcement at the Jamhuri Day celebrations when Kenya was marking her 60th year of independence

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

President William Ruto has announced visa-free entry into the country for all international travellers.

Visitors are to be identified digitally

The president made the declaration during Jamhuri Day on Tuesday, December 12, when Kenyans celebrated the 60th year of independence at the Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi.

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.

"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," he declared.

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.

"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," added the president.

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

Kenyans react

The president's announcement faced criticism from a group of Kenyans, who raised concerns about security and injustice towards citizens travelling abroad.

Doreen Atyang Ekiro lamented:

"Oooh, my God,. How about the security of this country plus the citizens? Waah!! Ile press-ups Alshabaabs wanafanya saa hii, only God knows. What has Ruto turned this country into? His family or bedroom affairs!"

Kipyegon Araplangat Weldon said:

"He is opening up Kenya for thieves, terrorists, et al."

Eliud Mathu wrote:

"Free but Kenyans going to other nations will have to pay ."

Aaron Muteti voiced:

"But we'll need visas to travel abroad; remember, he has hiked visa charges."

Gladys Mong'are Jnr said:

"But he is okay taxing Kenyans left, right and centre.... Why can't he increase the visa fee like other countries to contribute to more revenue. Is they any research that was done to warrant this. Is it that tourists or investors are not coming to the country because of visa?? We are indeed sliding back so so fast."

Why Ruto wants borderless Africa

President William Ruto noted that Africa has the youngest population, explaining that the boundaries were a great hurdle for Africa, restricting her from attaining her potential on the world stage.

"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.