President Ruto abolishes visa requirement for Africans entering Kenya

President William Ruto has stated that on December 12, 2023 during Jamhuri Day celebrations, he will officially abolish visa requirements for all Africans entering Kenya.

Speaking during the Youth Connekt Africa 2023 Summit in Nairobi on Saturday, December 9, President Ruto emphasized on the need to make Africa borderless by eliminating visa requirements.

“Two days from now, on Jamhuri Day celebrations in Kenya, we are going to finally declare that no African will be required to have a visa to come to Kenya,” said president Ruto.

President Ruto addresses the congregation during the first anniversary of the Hustler Fund in Nairobi. [Photo/William Samoei Ruto/Facebook].

“This is because we are one people, this is because this continent needs to write its own narrative,” he added.

President Ruto explained that the move would promote trade and free movement of Africans across the continent.

“To further boost the economic integration, Kenya fully supports the establishment of the African continental free trade area which seeks to create a borderless market for African entrepreneurs, and businesses,” he stated.

RUTO: On Jamhuri Day we are going to declare that no African will be required to have a visa to come to Kenya. #YouthConnektAfrica2023 pic.twitter.com/EytMAVfznC
— TV47 (@tv47news) December 9, 2023

At the same time, the Head of State noted that the Europeans who introduced the idea of visas to Africa, stopped using visas and the 27 countries in Europe are borderless.

“The people who taught us about visas, our good brothers from Europe, themselves have abolished the use of visas in 27 countries.

“Today they are visaless, they are borderless, explain to me why we should continue having visas as Africans,” stated President Ruto.

This is not the first time for President Ruto to mention the idea of making Africa a borderless continent.

For instance, speaking on September 4, 2023 at KICC, Nairobi during Africa Climate Summit, Ruto said Kenya was considering abolishing any visa requirement for persons traveling to the country.

“In a few months, we are seriously considering abolishing any visa requirement because it is unfair for anybody coming home to get a visa,” said Ruto.