Senators launch probe into Kenya's visa-free system

Kenya's Electronic Travel Authorisation system which replaced the vacated visa requirements is now a subject of probe by senators who seek to establish its effectiveness.

The lawmakers have started probing whether the new system that was introduced by the government a few months ago is helpful and stress-free to global visitors travelling to Kenya.

The Senate National Security, Defense and Foreign Relations Committee also seek to have regulatory and oversight measures for its use to prevent abuse.

"The committee should outline the regulatory and oversight measures the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Service has put in place to ensure that visa-free policy is not abused and does not pose security risks to the country," said Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga.

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Wamatinga petitioned the Senate, through the committee, to look into the policy.

Kenya became the second country in Africa to open its borders to other African nationalities unhindered. On November 3 last year, Rwanda announced visa-free travel for all Africans.

In the new probe, the committee will ascertain details on the trade, industrialisation and tourism sectors, and how the system has improved these sectors.

Revenue generation

The review will also unearth the revenue generated by the government since the commencement of the policy on January 1, 2024.

In the probe, Wamatinga expects the management of the State Department to state compliance measures.

"The committee should explain the challenges in operationalising the policy, such as reiterations from countries that previously enjoyed visa exemptions to enter Kenya and the measures in place to address such challenges," Wamatinga said.

President William Ruto announced the free visa policy last year. The President indicated that upon identification, a visitor will be issued with an electronic travel authorisation.

In January, the government abolished the visa requirement to open up the country for trade and tourism. The Electronic Travel Authorisation system replaced the vacated visa requirements.

This is designed for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to or transiting through the country, especially by air.

Five months into the implementation of the policy, senators are seeking to establish the effectiveness and efficiency of the strategy.

Before the new policy, citizens from 51 countries enjoyed visa-free entry to Kenya, while travellers from 155 other countries were subject to a visa application process for $50 (Sh6,555).

Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda demanded that it is vital for Kenyans to be told the effectiveness and benefits of the policy.

"It is very key and important to note the data and how much revenue it has used," she said.