The government has linked the implementation of ETA to the rise in tourist numbers even as it emerged the service provider pocketed Sh1.5 billion for the system.
The electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system is meant to conduct security screening before travellers arrive in the country.
This followed a directive by President William Ruto to implement a visa-free regime effective January 1, 2024.
State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services in implementing the directive contracted a consortium of M/S Travizory Border Security, SA and Konvergence Network Solutions under a self-financing public-private partnership piloting framework.
The system being undertaken as pilot project was to give room for the localisation of the ETA solution. The system was to ensure fair and sufficient services while at the same time guaranteeing security of the country.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen told the National Assembly on Wednesday the contracted service provider has been paid Sh1.5 billion. This was part of the Sh6.5 billion generated by the system that started on January 1 last year.
“For the standard ETA, which cost $30, the service provider was paid $8.5, while for the US multiple ETA, which costs $160, the service provider was paid $15,” Murkomen said.
“As of February 25, 2025, the total number of ETAs applied was 1,596,799, generating $50,568,810 out of which the service provider is entitled to $12,255,013.50.”
The CS was responding to a question by Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, who had sought answers on the money the government spent in acquiring and implementing the new system.
“How has the ETA system impacted Kenya’s tourism and business travel, particularly in comparison to the previous visa policy?” Wamboka posed.
Murkomen also clarified the system is localised and hosted on the eCitizen platform. He said the country has witnessed a significant boost in the tourism sector as a result of the new system.
“According to the Kenya Tourism Board annual report, 2024, Kenya’s tourism sector reported record growth, with 2.4 million international visitors, a 15 per cent increase from 2023 and inbound tourism earnings rising by 19.79 per cent to Sh452.2 billion,” Murkomen told the House.
“This is an independent and objective appraisal of the positive impact of ETA on the tourism sector among other factors that influenced the rise in numbers of tourists and corresponding increases in business earnings.”
