Gov't Insists Foreigners Will Continue Applying For Visas Despite William Ruto's Earlier Declaration

• Despite President William Ruto’s 2023 Jamhuri Day declaration, foreigners are still required to apply for visas in 2024
• Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) stated the visa application process would continue until the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system was ready
• The ETA system is still under development, and once complete, it would help identify travelers coming to Kenya in advance

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - Foreigners travelling to Kenya will still need to apply for Visas despite President William Ruto's 2023 Jamhuri Day declaration.

In his address during the 60th Jamhuri Day fete, the head of state said the process of visa application 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.

Gov't issues new directive on visa-free travel

Two days into the new year, the government has stated that foreigners would continue applying for visas over an unspecified period.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, January 2, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said the status quo would remain until the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system is ready.

"All travellers coming to Kenya from countries that require visas shall continue applying for visas in the usual manner until the government communicates more on the ETA system," read the statement.

What is importance of ETA in visa-free travel

KCAA further explained that the ETA is still in the process of development before it can be implemented in Kenya.

The government added that the platform would help in identifying travellers coming to Kenya in advance.

"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. The digital platform will ensure that all travellers to Kenya are identified in advance," continued the statement.

Why Ruto wants borderless Africa

Earlier, 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.

Kenya was the second country in Africa to announce that it had opened its borders after Rwanda.