KENYA: President Kenyatta Grants All Africans Visas at Points of Entry

President Uhuru Kenyatta has directed that all Africans wishing to visit Kenya be issued with visas at various points of entry.

Speaking during his maiden speech following his inauguration for a second term in office at the Kasarani Stadium, the Head of State expressed hope that this would prompt other African states to open up their borders in order to promote free movement.

He stated that the visas would not be issued on a reciprocal basis and was made to enable free trade and cooperation with the various African nations.

“The freer we are to travel and live with one another, the more integrated and appreciative of our diversity, we will become. The political balkanization that risks our mutual security, the negative politics of identity, will recede as our brotherhood expands to embrace more Africans,” he said.

“Today, I am directing that any African wishing to visit Kenya will be eligible to receive a visa at the port of entry. To underscore Kenya’s commitment, this shall not be done on the basis of reciprocity.”

He further announced that all East African Community nationals are free to work in Kenya without work permits with all that is needed being their national IDs and for them to observe the stipulated laws.

“As a mark of our continued commitment to you, our Brothers and Sisters in the East African Community; from today, you will be treated like Kenyans. Like your Kenyan brothers and sisters, you will need only your identity card. You can now work, do business; own property, farm and if you wish, and find a willing partner, you can marry and settle in Kenya,” he stated.

He stated that the decision was driven by the desire for deeper regional integration.

“As l welcome you, l remind you that equally you shall be subject to the same rules and laws as your Kenyan brothers and sisters,” he said.

“You are our closest friends; our fate and yours are joined at the hip; our troubles and triumphs are yours, and yours are ours. I will work with you, my brothers, the leaders of the East African Community, to bring a renewed energy and optimism to our union,” he stressed.

Rwanda –a member of the East African Community recently announced a new visa regime that allows travellers from across the world to be issued a 30-day visa on arrival in Kigali, beginning January 1, 2018.

The visa-on-arrival policy was approved by a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame on November 8.

“Citizens of all countries will get a visa upon arrival without prior application, starting January 1, 2018. Before that, only nationals of African countries and few others were getting a visa upon arrival,” said a statement signed by Yves Butera, spokesperson of the Directorate-General of Immigration and Emigration.

By AMECEA Online News Reporter