NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya and Senegal have agreed to abolish visa requirements for their citizens, allowing visa-free travel for up to 90 days in a move aimed at strengthening diplomatic, trade and cultural ties between the two nations.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday at State House, Nairobi, during bilateral talks between President William Ruto and visiting Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
Under the new arrangement, holders of both diplomatic and ordinary passports will be able to enter, stay, and transit through either country without a visa for a maximum of 90 days.
President Ruto said the visa waiver was a step toward deepening cooperation between East and West Africa, noting that trade between Kenya and Senegal remains low despite the countries’ shared aspirations for continental integration.
“The conclusion of this new visa waiver arrangement will allow citizens of both countries to travel freely for up to 90 days. This will foster people-to-people ties and boost tourism and trade,” Ruto said.
He added that both governments had reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate in peace and security, energy, trade, and foreign affairs — sectors he described as key drivers of sustainable development.
Ruto also invited Senegal to share its experience hosting major continental football tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as Kenya prepares to co-host the 2027 edition with Uganda and Tanzania.
“We are committed to joint exchange programmes for coaches and athletes, co-hosting regional tournaments, and establishing joint training camps,” he said.
President Faye, who arrived in Kenya on Sunday for a three-day state visit, was the chief guest at this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui County on Monday.
During the event, held at Ithookwe Stadium, Faye joined Kenyans in honouring the country’s national heroes and paid tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as a “true patriot and defender of democracy.”
“On behalf of the people of Senegal, I extend heartfelt condolences to the people of Kenya on the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. May his soul rest in peace,” Faye said.
He added that his visit reflected the “strong friendship and mutual respect” between Kenya and Senegal, and underscored the importance of honouring Africa’s heroes as part of preserving shared values and identity.
Mozambique’s Prime Minister Maria Benvinda Levy also attended the national celebration, joining Faye in paying tribute to Odinga.
The two leaders further pledged to work closely within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to promote intra-African trade and investment.
Tuesday’s agreement marks a milestone in the growing partnership between Nairobi and Dakar, signaling renewed momentum in diplomatic and economic engagement across the continent.
