President William Ruto says Kenya will lift visa requirements for all Africans by December 31, 2023.
The head of state said the move will boost trade with African countries.
Speaking during the Three Basins Summit in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dr Ruto said the requirements hinder trade.
“It is time we realise the importance of trade amongst ourselves and allowing goods, services, people and ideas to move freely across the continent,” he said on Saturday.
Read: Kenya, Angola Sign 11 Deals to Boost Bilateral Relations
“By the end of this year, no African will need a visa to enter Kenya. The time has come to understand the importance of doing trade between us.”
He stated that trade within the East African community has improved since the abolishment of tariffs and visa requirements.
Dr Ruto noted that providing incentives to countries in tropical forest basins for forest protection is a smart climate action.
Last week, Kenya signed 11 deals with Angola including the lifting of visa requirements for Angolans.
“We have also directed our respective ministers responsible for Transport to expedite and conclude discussions on the resumption of direct flights between Kenya and Angola,” said Dr Ruto.
So far, Kenya has allowed visa-free travel for people coming from Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, South Africa, Indonesia, Comoros, and Senegal.
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