Kenya's visa-free travel for African and Caribbean countries is pan-Africanism, says Nyong'o

Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o. [File, Standard]

Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has lauded President William Ruto's decision to free Kenya’s borders for the rest of Africa and parts of the Caribbean. 

Governor Nyong'o said that the move will encourage the true spirit of pan-Africanism, which will in turn spur more rapid socio-economic growth for the continent. 

Kenya has officially eliminated visa requirements for all African and most Caribbean nations. 

This means that citizens from these areas no longer need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and do not have to complete extensive forms and are not obligated to pay any visa fees. 

Additionally, the new regulations allow African visitors to remain in Kenya for up to two months, while nationals from the East African Community (EAC) can enjoy a six-month stay in accordance with existing free movement agreements within the EAC. 

Kenya has also committed to establishing measures that would allow travellers to receive ETA approval instantly or within 72 hours, depending on operational capabilities. 

Yesterday, Nyong'o, in a press release, said that this good move by President Ruto should be emulated by other African governments. 

"I hope that the good move by President Ruto will be emulated by other African governments so that the free movement of our people makes all of us feel at home anywhere in this beloved continent,” said Governor Nyong’o.

He added, "I have consistently expressed my belief in the need for greater African unity and cooperation. I have been a core tenet of Pan-Africanism and at the forefront of actualising Pan-Africanism by personally serving in several continental entities, including but not limited to the African Research and Resource Forum (ARRF). A research, data resource, reflection, and discourse organisation devoted to the enhancement of thinking on African governance and development." 

According to Governor Nyong'o, Kenya's Cabinet has indicated that this decision will help Kenya promote open skies policies and stimulate growth in the tourism industry. 

"As someone who has been at the forefront of calling for the opening up of a free market in Kisumu, given its strategic location in the East African region and lying on the northern corridor of the business trail, this is a forward-thinking move to open up the region for goods, services, and people for the benefit and growth of everybody involved," he added.