Kenya's visa-free travel for African and Caribbean countries is pan-Africanism, says Nyong'o
Nyanza
By
Olivia Odhiambo
| Jul 19, 2025
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has lauded President William Ruto's decision to free Kenya’s borders for the rest of Africa and parts of the Caribbean.
Governor Nyong'o said that the move will encourage the true spirit of pan-Africanism, which will in turn spur more rapid socio-economic growth for the continent.
Kenya has officially eliminated visa requirements for all African and most Caribbean nations.
This means that citizens from these areas no longer need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and do not have to complete extensive forms and are not obligated to pay any visa fees.
Additionally, the new regulations allow African visitors to remain in Kenya for up to two months, while nationals from the East African Community (EAC) can enjoy a six-month stay in accordance with existing free movement agreements within the EAC.
READ MORE
Electric vs gasoline cars: Which one truly wins the road?
Initiative to unlock coastal counties' innovation potential
Kenya wins Sh300b case against railway concessionaire in London
State kicks off Sh1.45b milk coolers installation in 40 counties
SBM Bank posts Sh202m half-year profit on higher customer deposits
Kenya Pavilion welcomes millionth visitor at Osaka Expo, eyes two million
SBM Bank Kenya unveils Bancassurance subsidiary to transform insurance access
Govt rolls out Sh1.5b milk coolers to boost dairy sector
TotalEnergies net profit drops as oil prices fall
KAA reveals plans to revamp infrastructure at Wilson Airport
Kenya has also committed to establishing measures that would allow travellers to receive ETA approval instantly or within 72 hours, depending on operational capabilities.
Yesterday, Nyong'o, in a press release, said that this good move by President Ruto should be emulated by other African governments.
"I hope that the good move by President Ruto will be emulated by other African governments so that the free movement of our people makes all of us feel at home anywhere in this beloved continent,” said Governor Nyong’o.
He added, "I have consistently expressed my belief in the need for greater African unity and cooperation. I have been a core tenet of Pan-Africanism and at the forefront of actualising Pan-Africanism by personally serving in several continental entities, including but not limited to the African Research and Resource Forum (ARRF). A research, data resource, reflection, and discourse organisation devoted to the enhancement of thinking on African governance and development."
According to Governor Nyong'o, Kenya's Cabinet has indicated that this decision will help Kenya promote open skies policies and stimulate growth in the tourism industry.
"As someone who has been at the forefront of calling for the opening up of a free market in Kisumu, given its strategic location in the East African region and lying on the northern corridor of the business trail, this is a forward-thinking move to open up the region for goods, services, and people for the benefit and growth of everybody involved," he added.