President Ruto's Plan for Visa-Free Entry in Kenya Raises Challenges for Certain Individuals

Kenya's President William Ruto made headlines last year when he announced that Kenya would be visa-free for African visitors. However, many were taken by surprise when new requirements were introduced, including added costs and paperwork. For example, Adio, a Zimbabwean citizen living in Germany, encountered issues at Bremen airport when he was asked to provide a document granting him permission to enter Kenya. Previously, nationals of Zimbabwe and over 40 other countries could enter Kenya without paying or obtaining a visa. With the new visa-free policy, travelers must now obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for single entry, costing $30 and taking up to three days to process. Only citizens from countries in the East African Community are exempt. Adio, like others, believed the new policy would ease travel, but was surprised by the added inconvenience. Some critics argue that the ETA is essentially a visa under a different name. While the new system has a security element, addressing the threat of terrorism, it has raised concerns about its impact on tourism and the Kenyan economy. Despite these challenges, President Ruto's vision of a pan-African vision of frictionless movement and trade on the continent remains vital for the success of initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area. Though progress has been made towards easier freedom of movement in Africa, there is still much work to be done to remove visa barriers and improve travel procedures.