NAIROBI, Kenya — Tourism and wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has welcomed Kenya’s rise in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, where the country climbed five places to rank 68th globally, describing the milestone as a major boost to tourism, diplomacy, and Kenya’s global standing.
Miano noted that the improved position of the Kenyan passport is a clear indicator of the country’s growing international trust and diplomatic engagement, with direct benefits for tourism, investment, and cultural exchange.
“This progress is more than just a statistic. A stronger Kenyan passport enhances ease of movement for our people while reinforcing Kenya’s reputation as a stable, welcoming, and globally connected destination. It strengthens the Magical Kenya brand and supports our ambition to position Kenya as a leading tourism and investment hub,” said Miano. “
The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that the ranking aligns seamlessly with Kenya’s tourism growth strategy, as the country remains firmly on course to achieve 5 million annual visitors by 2027. Improved global mobility, she said, acts as a bridge—making it easier for travelers, investors, conservation partners, and cruise operators to access Kenya.
Miano credited the gains to deliberate diplomatic leadership by His Excellency President William Ruto, particularly the landmark decision in mid-2025 to abolish visa requirements for African nations.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, the policy has already strengthened regional mobility, boosted travel flows, and positioned Kenya as a champion of open and reciprocal travel across Africa.
Kenya continues to pursue additional reciprocal travel agreements, a move Miano said will further enhance international arrivals while enabling Kenyans to engage more freely with the world.
Highlighting recent developments in maritime tourism, Miano pointed to the arrival of the Azamara Journey and the return of MV Europa as evidence of renewed confidence in Kenya as a cruise destination. “Ease of travel is critical to the growth of cruise tourism and firmly places Kenya as the premier hub for the Indian Ocean,” she noted.
Beyond tourism numbers, the Cabinet Secretary underscored the broader impact of global mobility, particularly for conservation and wildlife management.
Improved access allows Kenyan conservationists and wildlife experts to share best practices, research, and success stories internationally—strengthening Kenya’s leadership in sustainable tourism and conservation.
