Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has commended President William Ruto's recent declaration that Kenya will transition to a visa-free country by January 2024.
Mudavadi on Saturday highlighted that this policy is a step in the right direction, poised to significantly enhance tourism and strengthen global business and employment connections
“The President means well for this country when he pronounces himself on such critical matters that are aimed at changing the fortunes of our country," he said.
The Prime CS was speaking in Nandi County, where he was attending the wedding ceremony of the Mosop Member of Parliament.
"Currently our tourist target ranges from 1.2 million to around 1.5 million tourists annually. We want to oush this numbers to 4.5 million to 5 million tourists visiting Kenya every year.” Mudavadi said.
Going further, the Prime Cabinet CS said opening global connections is aimed at boosting trade, business and investment.
Mudavadi said it will also help in creating job connections for our population.
He said President Ruto has since reiterated his dedication to simplifying travel procedures and the platform will streamline the issuance of electronic travel authorization, effectively eliminating the tedious visa application process.
This, Mudavadi said is a visionary step that aligns with Ruto's long standing advocacy for visa-free travel within the African continent.
“A steady flow of tourists in the country will have a significant impact where the hotel industry will boost its returns, businesses will get back on profit -making margins, markets for agricultural produce will expand, the education system will be boosted among other key sectors that drive the growth of the economy,” he added.
Mudavadi also highlighted that, in alignment with the visa-free initiatives, the government is actively working to strengthen connections with the diaspora and provide support for Kenyans working abroad.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary explained that the inclusion of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs under his ministry is aimed at transforming and consolidating the diaspora population.
"Diaspora remittances to Kenya currently amount to an estimated 5 billion dollars, equivalent to approximately Sh500 billion Kenyan shillings. Our goal is to surpass the Sh1 trillion Kenyan shillings mark in the near future and further achieve 2 to 3 trillion in the next 5 years," Mudavadi stated.
“This is a key indicator that we need to have a stable foreign policy that will help us further our partnerships with other countries since we have seen this forms part of what helps us grow our country economically," he added.
During Jamhuri Day celebrations, President Ruto declared that any foreigner visiting Kenya would not be required to obtain a visa beginning in January.
"It shall no longer be necessary for any person from any corner of the globe to carry the burden of applying for a visa to come to Kenya," he said.
Visa-free entry means travellers can enter a host country without the need for a visa although visitors will still need passports to enter visa-free states.
Governments usually offer visa-free travel to strengthen diplomatic relations with receiving countries or for economic purposes like boosting tourism.
In November, Rwanda announced that Africans will no longer require a visa to visit Rwanda.