Kenya's openness ranking worsens despite visa-free policy

Kenya has fallen 17 places to rank 46th out of 54 countries on the 2024 Africa Visa Openness Index (AVOI), despite announcing a "visa-free policy" earlier this year.

The policy, introduced by President William Ruto, was meant to boost regional integration. However, its implementation of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system requiring most African visitors to apply online before travel has been criticized as a "visa under another name."

Critics, including Kenyan entrepreneur Gina Din, argue the ETA adds unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, with documents like flight details and hotel bookings required.

While security concerns, including terrorism threats, were cited as reasons for the system, experts highlight it has affected Kenya’s accessibility to African travelers.

Countries like Rwanda and Benin lead in visa openness, while Sudan ranks lowest.