Kenyans holding ordinary passports will be allowed entry into South Africa for up to ninety days a year without a visa starting January 1, 2023 as the two countries move to strengthen bilateral ties.
This ends the long running plight by Kenyans seeking to fly to the country for business, study, health and leisure who are often met with watertight visa requirements and extended approvals by the southern African country.
In a deal brokered by President William Ruto and visiting South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa, the move is now expected to enhance bilateral trade between two of Africa’s economic powerhouses.
“We have agreed that starting January 1, 2023, Kenyan ordinary passport holders will be allowed to enter South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days a year. The two countries have also settled on a return policy when immigration laws are breached,” said President Ruto.
Speaking at State House Nairobi, President Ramaphosa said the agreement will be granted in one calendar year and will boost business and tourism activities.
“We will be able to review this and get reports from our ministers within a year and see how this is functioning. This will also be underpinned by other processes that we have agreed should take place. Close monitoring of the implementation of this process and also have a return policy of those elements that would be undesirable to be returned to Kenya,” said President Ramaphosa.
According to President Ruto, Kenya and South Africa agree on partnerships which include trade, agriculture, housing and capacity building in the public service.
“Kenya and South Africa are strategic allies with shared interests to build stronger socio-economic ties,” added the Head of State.
Bilateral trade between Kenya and South Africa is currently in favour of Africa’s second largest economy.
Last year, while Kenyan exports to South Africa were valued at Ksh 3.96 billion, imports from South Africa rose to Ksh 44.1 billion making the country Kenya’s second largest import market in Africa after Tanzania.
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