Starting in January 2024, Kenya is set to eliminate visa requirements for all visitors, transforming the country into a visa-free destination, as announced by President William Ruto. This decision marks the culmination of the president’s earlier declaration to open Kenya’s borders for visa-free travel by Africans by the conclusion of December 2023. President Ruto made this announcement during the 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi on Tuesday, emphasizing that the government will officially do away with visa requirements for all incoming visitors from the beginning of January 2024.

To implement the new policy, President William Ruto announced that the state has developed a digital platform to pre-identify all travelers to Kenya electronically. This signifies that visitors will only need to obtain electronic travel authorization before experiencing the country’s renowned tourist attractions.

Expressing his delight during the 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations in Nairobi on Tuesday, President Ruto declared the historic decision of the Kenyan government. Starting January 2024, Kenya will transition into a visa-free country, eliminating the need for individuals from any part of the world to undergo the burden of applying for a visa to enter Kenya. In echoing the sentiments of the Turkana people to the world, he emphasized Kenya’s simple message to humanity: “Welcome Home!”

This move aligns with the global trend of simplifying entry processes and reducing restrictions on various nations. It reflects Kenya’s commitment to globalization and opening its borders to foster socio-economic development.

President Ruto highlighted Kenya’s historical openness to the world, emphasizing that Kenyans have consistently embraced globalization and demonstrated a lack of fear for the world beyond their borders. He cited archaeological sites in the country as evidence of being the first home of all humanity, expressing pride in Kenya’s role as the home of humanity.

During the Youth Connekt Africa Summit on December 9, President Ruto reiterated his stance that Africa should eliminate visa requirements for its population. He attributed visa requirements to European nations, which have since abandoned them. Additionally, he affirmed Kenya’s support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), aiming to establish a borderless market for African entrepreneurs and businesses.