Kenya sees major boost from visa-free policy as tourist numbers hit 1.8 million

Kenya has seen a 48.1 per cent rise in visitor arrivals through its airports and border points this year, boosted by the visa-free entry scheme introduced at the start of 2025.

Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) indicates that 1.8 million visitors entered the country in the first nine months, up from 1.27 million during the same period last year.

The KNBS report highlights that arrivals through the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Moi International Airport and other entry points, excluding Kenyan nationals, increased significantly between January and September.

The jump coincided with the lifting of visa requirements for all travellers, a move the government said was aimed at expanding tourism and raising foreign earnings.

The growth also followed an expansion in international flight services, with several airlines increasing their frequencies into Nairobi and Mombasa. Kenya Airways and Etihad introduced new routes, while Air France deployed a larger aircraft on its Paris–Nairobi service.

Kenya rolled out the electronic travel authorisation (eTA) system in 2024 as part of the transition to visa-free entry, hoping high visitor traffic would translate into greater spending.

However, the eTA attracted criticism from many repeat visitors from non-African countries, who cited its fees and short validity period. The government later scrapped the permit.

Tourism earnings are expected to surge further after hitting Sh352.54 billion last year, even as industry leaders remain cautious over external risks.

Kenya received 2.08 million tourists last year, up from 1.54 million in 2023, but officials warn that this year’s mid-year anti-government protests may have disrupted travel flows.

A Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) survey released in November revealed that firms in the tourism and manufacturing sectors anticipate the greatest strain from new US tariffs on Kenyan exports and the expiry of Agoa benefits. According to the report, 64 per cent of respondents expect to be negatively affected.

Kenya’s global image received a boost last month after Condé Nast Traveller named it the world’s friendliest country in its 2025 rankings. The publication, which relied on reader submissions, placed Kenya ahead of destinations such as Thailand, Mexico, Cambodia, Mauritius and Vietnam, giving it a score of 98.46.

“Behind each lovely Kenyan safari, there’s a whole host of even lovelier guides who make you feel completely at ease, even when metres away from a prowling lion,” the magazine noted, attributing much of Kenya’s appeal to its safari experiences. It also highlighted the country’s vibrant nightlife and idyllic coastlines as key attractions.

Tourism remains one of Kenya’s biggest revenue earners, with visitor days rising from 17 million in 2023 to 18.6 million in 2024. The average stay increased from 11.9 days to 12.1 days, signalling that travellers are spending more time exploring the country’s parks, beaches and cultural sites.

The Economic Survey 2025 released by KNBS credits improved tourism products, better connectivity and targeted investments for the steady growth in the sector.

In a statement, Kenya Tourism Board CEO June Chepkemei said the positive outcomes reflect deliberate collaboration between government agencies and industry players.

Other Topics To Read

• Headlines
• JKIA
• Tourism
• ETA
• KNBS
• Visa-Free entry
• Kenya sees major boost from visa-free policy as tourist numbers hit 1.8 million
• Business

“The concerted efforts made to diversify tourism products, improve connectivity and enhance the visitor experience are bearing fruit. We are thrilled to see positive indicators across the board, with growth recorded in key segments like Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism,” Chepkemei said.