Faith Nyasuguta
Kenya’s recent declaration of a ‘visa-free’ policy is facing scrutiny as travelers reveal a different reality.
Despite President William Ruto’s emphasis on promoting visa-free travel within Africa to attract visitors and boost tourism revenue, the process involves obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) with a $30 (Ksh. 4,700) processing fee.
CNN journalist Larry Madowo exposed the discrepancy, stating, “Kenya is now ‘visa-free,’ but you can’t just get on a flight. You have to apply for Electronic Travel Authorization, pay $30 and wait up to 3 days.”
This revelation sparked a backlash, with critics calling out the Kenyan government’s narrative of true visa-free access.
High-profile figures, including Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono and Malawian entrepreneur Jones Ntaukira, joined the chorus of criticism, branding the ‘visa-free’ talk as an empty charade.
Zimbabwean author Ibbo Mandaza described his experience with Kenya Airways as “horrible,” emphasizing the chaos caused by last-minute flight changes and delays. Despite the Ministry of Interior’s efforts to address concerns and highlight changes to the ETA, dissatisfaction persists.
The central issue revolves around the introduction of an ETA and the associated $30 fee, challenging the essence of visa-free travel.
Critics argue that the move makes travel more challenging for Africans who previously enjoyed visa-free entry. The confusion prompted Zimbabwean author Ibbo Mandaza to term his experience with Kenya Airways as “horrible.”
This public outcry suggests a significant gap between the government’s narrative and the practical implications of its visa policies, leading to questions about transparency and the true nature of ‘visa-free’ access in Kenya.
While the government aims to facilitate visa-free visits with reduced fees and changes to the ETA, the ongoing criticism highlights the need for clarity and a streamlined process.
The debate raises concerns about the effectiveness of Kenya’s visa policies in achieving their intended goals and emphasizes the importance of transparent communication to manage expectations among travelers and the international community.
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