NAIROBI, Kenya – Deputy President Kithure Kindiki convened a meeting on Tuesday with four Cabinet Secretaries to evaluate the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system.
This system, introduced in January of the previous year, aims to streamline travel for business, tourism, and social purposes.
The Cabinet Secretaries present included Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior and National Administration), Rebecca Miano (Tourism and Wildlife), Davies Chirchir (Roads and Transport), and Alfred Mutua (Labour and Social Protection).
Principal Secretaries and other senior government officials, such as Julius Bitok (Immigration and Citizen Services) and Amb. Isaac Ochieng (Director General, eCitizen), were also in attendance.
Deputy President Kindiki emphasized the importance of continuous improvement of the ETA system to ensure it provides greater convenience for travelers.
The system requires travelers to secure an advance travel authorization, a policy that followed Kenya’s adoption of a visa-free entry for all international visitors.
However, concerns have surfaced regarding the system’s impact on Kenya’s ranking among the most accessible countries.
The government is committed to refining the ETA policy to facilitate easier access for visitors, addressing these concerns head-on.
President William Ruto has reiterated Kenya’s welcoming stance, highlighting the nation’s pride in its rich heritage.
He announced a landmark decision set to take effect in January 2024, which will see Kenya becoming a visa-free country for all global travelers.
“It is with great pleasure, as President of this extraordinary country, to make a historic announcement of the decision of the Government of Kenya,” President Ruto stated. “Beginning January 2024, Kenya will be a visa-free country.”
This system, introduced in January of the previous year, aims to streamline travel for business, tourism, and social purposes.
The Cabinet Secretaries present included Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior and National Administration), Rebecca Miano (Tourism and Wildlife), Davies Chirchir (Roads and Transport), and Alfred Mutua (Labour and Social Protection).
Principal Secretaries and other senior government officials, such as Julius Bitok (Immigration and Citizen Services) and Amb. Isaac Ochieng (Director General, eCitizen), were also in attendance.
Deputy President Kindiki emphasized the importance of continuous improvement of the ETA system to ensure it provides greater convenience for travelers.
The system requires travelers to secure an advance travel authorization, a policy that followed Kenya’s adoption of a visa-free entry for all international visitors.
However, concerns have surfaced regarding the system’s impact on Kenya’s ranking among the most accessible countries.
The government is committed to refining the ETA policy to facilitate easier access for visitors, addressing these concerns head-on.
President William Ruto has reiterated Kenya’s welcoming stance, highlighting the nation’s pride in its rich heritage.
He announced a landmark decision set to take effect in January 2024, which will see Kenya becoming a visa-free country for all global travelers.
“It is with great pleasure, as President of this extraordinary country, to make a historic announcement of the decision of the Government of Kenya,” President Ruto stated. “Beginning January 2024, Kenya will be a visa-free country.”
