Kenya, Senegal agree to 90-day visa waiver for citizens

Kenya, Senegal agree to 90-day visa waiver for citizens

Under the new arrangement, citizens holding diplomatic and ordinary passports from both countries can enter, stay and transit through either country for up to 90 days without a visa.

Kenya and Senegal have agreed to remove visa requirements for their citizens, allowing travel of up to 90 days.

The move, signed at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday, aims to strengthen diplomatic ties, boost trade and enhance cultural and tourism exchanges between the two African nations.

Under the new arrangement, citizens holding diplomatic and ordinary passports from both countries can enter, stay and transit through either country for up to 90 days without a visa. The measure is expected to encourage trade, tourism and cultural exchange.

“We reaffirmed our joint cooperation in peace, security, energy, trade, and foreign affairs, which aim to promote sustainable development between the two countries. We will continue to enhance our bilateral relations,” President William Ruto said during bilateral talks with his Senegalese counterpart, Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

“The conclusion of a new visa waiver arrangement will allow citizens of both countries to travel between the two countries for up to 90 days. This will foster people-to-people ties and boost tourism and trade.”

Ruto noted that trade volumes between Kenya and Senegal remain low and pledged more discussions to lift trade barriers, particularly in transport and digital infrastructure. He also invited Senegal to share insights from hosting major continental football events like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as Kenya prepares to co-host the 2027 tournament with Uganda and Tanzania.

“We commit to joint exchange programmes, such as for coaches and athletes, co-hosting regional tournaments and establishing joint training camps,” Ruto added.

President Faye arrived in Kenya on Sunday ahead of Mashujaa Day celebrations, which he attended on Monday in Kitui County as the chief guest. During the ceremony at Ithookwe Stadium, Faye joined Kenyans in honouring national heroes and paid tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

“I take this opportunity to renew the heartfelt condolences of the people of Senegal to the brotherly people of Kenya on the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. I express my deep compassion to President Ruto, to his family, and to the people of Kenya. May his soul rest in peace," Faye said.

He described his presence as a reflection of strong friendship and mutual respect between the two countries.

“I am here for the duty of remembrance because our heroes deserve respect, honour and admiration. The sons and daughters of Africa must be celebrated because it is an educational tool for the transmission of our values," he added.

Mozambique’s Prime Minister Maria Benvinda Levy also attended the national event, joining Faye in paying tribute to Raila Odinga, whom she described as a “true nationalist whose influence will continue to be felt across generations.”

Ruto and Faye also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties between East and West Africa, including exploring opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The discussions and agreements mark a significant step in deepening diplomatic, economic and cultural relations between Kenya and Senegal.

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