The government’s objective is to increase the number of tourists visiting Kenya by 200 per cent, aiming for a total of 4.5 million by 2027.
The authorization of unrestricted entrance policy will come into play to attain their objective. Isaac Mwaura, the government spokesman, has emphasized that this scheme will positively influence the tourism trade, allowing a substantial increase in the number of international visitors (more than twice the current observations of 1.48 million each year). According to Mwaura’s assessments, the visa-free policy will attract 2.5 million international tourists, with a long-term goal of reaching 4.5 million by 2026/2027.
During the commemoration of the 60th Jamhuri Day, President William Ruto made a formal declaration regarding the removal of visa requirements. This announcement signifies that Kenya will transform into a visa-exempt nation beginning in January 2024. The primary objective of this decision is to alleviate the difficulties faced by travellers when applying for visas, thus enhancing accessibility to Kenya for individuals from various parts of the globe. Additionally, Mr Mwaura has engaged in discussions concerning the implementation of measures to control the entry of visitors through the Integrated Border Management Information System.
The intention is to implement prior electronic travel authorization and limit visitors to a three-month stay. Those who need to stay beyond 90 days will be required to register. These measures are also expected to boost the annual remittance from Kenyans working abroad, increasing it from Sh600 billion to Sh1 trillion.
As Kenya’s global presence grows, the government acknowledges the significance of promoting travel to the country. Presently, Kenyan citizens can freely enter 46 nations without a visa, while 152 others necessitate visa applications. Furthermore, the government has promptly taken action to ensure the safety of Kenyans residing in areas affected by conflict. Notably, Kenya led the way by evacuating 1,400 of its citizens from conflict-stricken regions like Sudan, Israel, and Gaza, even without a shared border.
We have gone to this tourism…
We have gone to this tourism well one too many times.Before we drain it dry, we should be thinking of other creative ways to generate revenue.
Of course,I am happy that we can reap from our tourism department.However,expanding it at the expense of other potential cash generation options is too risky.
Tourism is dependent on people visiting the country.It only takes one terrorist threat to scare them.Or afew bad apples, like thieves,kidnappers and,scammers to deter them…
We need to invest in creating products that can compete on the world market. After 60 years of being independent and producing countless scientists, researchers,and engineers,one would think that it was about time,if not overdue, we produced our own cars, radio, tvs, phones,clothes/cloths- you get the idea. We have all seen, or felt the effects of importing these products as the shilling drastically devalued. What is our excuse of not being that productive,apart from corruption? Lack of brains?
My lettered Maxiley,I am…
My lettered Maxiley,I am hearing there will be a ‘non- refundable’ $35 entry fee for all arrivals irrespective of their citizenship & nationality.Talk about rearranging musical chairs.The scoundrels have to eat!
Wow! That’s a new one.But…
Wow! That’s a new one.But not surprised.
No amount of dancing or visa…
No amount of dancing or visa free enticing will revive a dying tourist industry based on only a single product, wildlife. There are countries with a worse climate and NO wildlife but still attract millions of tourists who come for the scenery, the historical architecture, the mountains, the lakes and fishing, golf, culture and cuisine. We have the potential to develop those but we’re too complacent to bother. At the same time we are busy ruining everything else by crime, corruption, political cacophony, destruction of forests and scenery by overbuilding of slums along highways, neglect of road infrastructure in parks, neglect or outright destruction of historical buildings, rivers and lakes degradation by silt and sewage etc etc. If only we could do a little about these issues, we won’t need to dance for the few tourists to please them, we’d probably be overwhelmed.
What happened to real…
What happened to real traditional dancers donned in goats,leopards,and or cow skins?Those in the picture look like black Indians dancing with ostrich feathers tied on their backs.Somethings, to retain their glamour,and appeal,are best left alone.It would be erroneous to think that donning is sheets like the dancers in the picture is dancing in “new and improved”skin.
Sadly even the tourists can…
Sadly even the tourists can see through the faked reincarnated cultural dance, the female “tribal” dancers with permed hair and artificial nails.
Tourism ministry hasn’t…
Tourism ministry hasn’t tried enough to invest in what would attract tourists. Kagame has made naming of the mountain gorilla a huge event that attracts tourists. About time Kenya goes to the drawing board by adding value to the product and creating new products. Building of camping tents and hotels, conservancies in wildlife parks by foreigners might not be the way to go. The money would not be coming to Kenya.
Current day Osama bin Laden…
Current day Osama bin Laden and Jaoquin Guzman have got a new hide-out