The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-AFRICA), representing 18 million workers across 52 African countries, has hailed the Government of the Republic of Kenya for its landmark decision to exempt African citizens from Visa requirements.
ITUC-Africa in a statement by its General Secretary, Akhator Joel said the policy, which is now in effect for nationals of nearly all African countries, except for two, Somalia and Libya, reflects Kenya’s bold commitment to regional unity, African solidarity, economic integration, and people-centred development.
The ITUC-Africa commended the Kenyan government’s bold and imaginative step forward from the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, as it expresses hope that the removal of entry visas for persons bearing African passports will inspire other African governments to take similar steps and make efforts that facilitate the mobility of African people within the continent.
The ITUC-Africa, in the statement, is also pleased that the new Kenyan visa-free policy allows African citizens to enter and stay in Kenya for varying periods, ranging from 30 days to 60 days and up to 6 months for citizens of the East African Community countries.
ait.live lists African nations taking tangible steps to operationalise the African Union Free Movement Protocol to include; Rwanda, Mauritius, Senegal, Benin Republic, and Ghana.
The Kenya Visa-Free policy announcement was contained in a Kenya Gazette Supplement No.73 underlined as Legislative Supplement NO.44, under Legal Notice No.93, relating to “The Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act (Cap,170) made on 30th May, 2025, and signed by Mr. Kipchumba Murkomen, Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
