President William Ruto has announced that Kenya plans to end visa requirements for all Africans visiting the East African nation by the end of the year.
Ruto made the announcement during the Three Basins Climate Change Conference in Brazzaville, Congo held October 26-28.
“By the end of this year, no African will be required to have a visa to come to Kenya,” Ruto said in his address, receiving applause.
Ruto emphasized that ending visa requirements for citizens of African nations would boost trade and opportunities.
Only three African nations — Benin, Seychelles and The Gambia — have no visa requirements for African travelers, according to a 2022 report by the African Union and African Development Bank on visa openness.
A visa-free Africa for all Africans is a key part of the AU’s Agenda 2063, although implementation of the initiative has been slow.
This report was compiled by Leah Seyoum.