Kenya Bolsters Integration with Removal of a visa Requirements for Africans

In a bold step towards regional integration and global openness, the government of Kenya has officially removed visa requirements for all African nationals and the majority of Caribbean countries, effective immediately.

Under the new policy, citizens from these countries will no longer need to fill out electronic travel authorisations (ETAs), pay visa fees, or complete any formalities in advance. They are simply required to show up at points of entry, where they will be granted access without hassle.

The announcement, which was met with widespread acclaim across the continent, was framed as part of Kenya’s broader vision for African unity and stronger South-South cooperation.

In a statement shared via official government channels, Kenyan authorities welcomed travelers with the phrase: “Karibu!” — a Swahili word meaning “Welcome.”

However, the policy excludes Libya and Somalia, both of which were specifically mentioned as exceptions, although the government has not publicly disclosed the reasons behind their exclusion.

The move fulfills a long-standing promise by President William Ruto, who had earlier committed to eliminating barriers that hamper intra-African travel and trade. Speaking at the African Union summit earlier this year, Ruto emphasized the importance of “breaking down colonial-era borders” and fostering greater people-to-people interaction across the continent.

Kenya now joins a growing list of African nations that have relaxed or completely abolished visa restrictions for fellow Africans, including Rwanda, The Gambia, and Seychelles.

Observers have hailed the policy as a potential game-changer for Africa’s mobility and economic integration, especially as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gains momentum.

Reactions across the continent have been overwhelmingly positive, with many Africans celebrating the policy shift on social media as a “historic and unifying gesture.”