President William Ruto has announced that he is considering abolishing visa requirements for those traveling to Kenya. He made this statement during the official opening of the Africa Climate Summit on Monday, September 4, 2023.
The president said that he wants to promote the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and remove any barriers to the movement of people around the continent. He said that Kenya is open to trade and investment opportunities and welcomes visitors from all over the world.
He also revealed that he has already made similar commitments with other countries such as Comoros, Senegal, Indonesia, and Eritrea. He said that Kenyans holding ordinary passports were granted visa-free entry to South Africa, after an intervention by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The president said that his decision is motivated by the need to foster regional integration and cooperation, especially in the face of the challenges posed by climate change. He said that Kenya is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of global warming.
He also urged other African leaders to join him in taking bold actions to protect the environment and ensure sustainable development for the continent. He said that Africa has the potential to become a global leader in green growth and innovation.
The Africa Climate Summit is a three-day event that brings together heads of state, ministers, experts, civil society, and private sector representatives from across Africa and beyond. The summit aims to showcase Africa’s achievements and challenges in addressing climate change and to mobilize support for the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
