NAIROBI, KENYA DEC 16 – The historic decision by President William Ruto to allow visa-free entry to the country has been received with mixed reaction. Those supporting president’s move are optimistic that it will boost the country’s economy by attracting investors while those opposing it are concerned with the security issues.
What Ruto said
Ruto in his Jamhuri Day speech outlined that starting January 2024, foreigners with intention to visit Kenya will not need a visa to visit Kenya.
Ruto: “It is with great pleasure, as president of this extraordinary country, to make a historic announcement of the decision of the Government of Kenya. Beginning January 2024, Kenya will be a visa-free country. It shall no longer be necessary for any person from any corner of the globe to carry the burden of applying for a visa to come to Kenya.”
What it means to Kenya
The government’s decision echoes its need to attract investors and more tourists. As of 2022, Kenya received close to 1.5 million tourist bringing more than Ksh268 billion. A visa-free entry is likely to increase the number of tourist visiting Kenya and in return more revenue to be collected.
Capital inflow
Being a visa-free entry many investors will be attracted. With more inflow of capital, many jobs will be created. This will help solve high unemployment rate in Kenya. In Kenya, 500,000 to 800,000 youth enter the job market in Kenya every year. This number is so huge that the country cannot absorb. The cash inflow to Kenya as a result to will play a vital role in ameliorating Kenya’s economy.
Even though investment in Africa is often punctuated with several risks, President Ruto has been at the forefront championing for investment in Africa. While speaking during COP28 Climate Summit in Dubai, he said Kenya and Africa in general is ripe for investment opportunities. He further said they are working on ways to de-risk investment in Africa.
Ruto: “I did mention these investment opportunities were concluded today in this COP as part of our work to confirm to the world that in Africa, there are real opportunities for green investment. Even as we have a conversation on how to de-risk investment in our region, there are companies that are already stepping forward to invest in Africa because they see the tremendous potential [and] opportunity that exist in our continent.”
Evils of visa-free entry
Though visa-free entry can attract investors and even bringing more tourists, there are several issues that will arise as well. One of the biggest concerns is security. Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeramiah Kioni has pointed out to this concern.
Speaking in a press conference in Nyeri Friday, Kioni said that Jubilee Party does not support Ruto’s move to make entry to Kenya a visa-free. He pointed out to the security problem in Lamu adding that the move will worsen the situation.
“As a party, we do not support this move as we already have security problems in Lamu and the northern part of this nation. We feel that opening the borders is equivalent to adding salt to the injury,” Kioni warned.
Over Tourism
Over tourism that may result from many people thronging to Kenya may exert more pressure on Kenya’s resources. Many tourist entering a country is good in terms of the revenue that a country get, however, too many tourist will cause serious problems including congestion. Amsterdam, Netherlands, have experienced this before where 20 million tourists visit the city which is a home to only 800,000 people. This prompted the country devise ways to reduce excess tourists causing nuisance.
Other countries that allows foreigners to visit without visa includes Rwanda, Burundi, Gambia, Benin and Seychelles.
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