Visa-free Kenya: Experts weigh in on pros and cons

Experts weigh in on President Ruto's controversial free visa policy announcement. [Standard, File]

President William Ruto's announcement that Kenya will become a visa-free country for all visitors starting in January 2024 has sparked a debate among experts on its implications for the country's economy, security, and regional integration.

While some praise the policy as a bold and progressive move that will boost tourism and trade, others warn of the potential risks and challenges that it may pose.

The policy, which Ruto made during the Jamhuri Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens on Tuesday, December 12, is part of Kenya Kwanza's promise to eliminate the visa requirement for travellers who want to visit Kenya.

He added that all visitors will need to obtain an electronic travel authorization instead.

"It is with great pleasure, as President of this extraordinary country, to make this historic announcement of the decision of the Government of Kenya. Beginning January 2024, Kenya will be a visa-free country," he said.

This policy follows a similar one that Ruto announced in October when he said that Kenya would grant visa-free entry to all Africans by the end of December 2023.

Currently, only Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia and Benin offer visa-free access to all African citizens.

Mohammed Hersi, the former chairman of the Kenya Tourism Federation, praised Ruto's no-visa policy as a positive step for the country's economy and tourism sector.

He said that many people make last-minute travel plans and do not want to deal with visa hassles.

"The policy to waive visa requirements is an incredible step in the right direction. People who wish to travel, but do not want to be bogged down by the visa bureaucracies, or those who make up their mind to travel at the last minute, will take advantage of it," he said.

Hersi also said that this policy will attract more businesses to Kenya because of the ease of movement.

"Obviously, with these aspects, this policy is bound to mean well for job creation, enhanced revenue and foreign exchange," he added.

However, Prof. Noah Midamba, a Senior Associate with the Global Centre for Policy and Strategy, expressed some reservations about the policy.

He said that it is the right move, but it does not help when other East African countries are not on board.

"They will take advantage of Kenya. People will be pouring into the country from DRC Congo, Tanzania and elsewhere. And then when Kenyans go to Tanzania, they block you," he said.

Midamba pointed out that intra-African trade is very low compared to other regions, because of the lack of integration.

"We have a great opportunity in the East African bloc right now. There are 300 million people in the eight countries together. And hopefully, Ethiopia and other countries can join this big East African Community. And then we can set up a fully integrated system," he said.

He said that such a system would entail borderless travel, open skies for flights, and infrastructure development through a common corridor for Africa.

"Until that is done, whatever President William Ruto does is almost a token. Then there are going to be consequences, where people will start coming into the country illegally and compete for jobs, housing and healthcare," he said.

"It is the right move for the country, but it is being done in isolation," he added.