
His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya, William Ruto, announced the impending removal of visa requirements for all Africans visiting Kenya by the end of this year, 2023. President Ruto emphasized the need to eliminate visa restrictions among African nations, stating that such restrictions are hindering Africa’s goal to freely trade amongst African states.
The removal of the visa requirements for Africans will promote trade and investment within the continent. African countries began officially trading under the AfCFTA, a continent-wide free trade area, in January 2021. To accelerate the creation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the region also has to address the low levels of intra-African commerce.
Kenyan President William Ruto stated,
“Having visa restrictions amongst ourselves is working against us. When people cannot travel, business people cannot travel, entrepreneurs cannot travel, we all become net losers,”
“We are now moving in the direction of eliminating visas amongst ourselves. Let me say this, as Kenya, by the end of this year, no African will be required to have a visa to come to Kenya.”
“It is time we realise the importance of trading amongst ourselves and allowing goods, services, people, and ideas to move freely.”
Kenya aims to open embassies in the Congo Republic, Ivory Coast, Morocco, and Eritrea with the aim of improving trade.