Kenya, Senegal ink visa-free deal
Kenya and Senegal have taken a significant step toward deepening their diplomatic and economic partnership with the signing of multiple bilateral agreements, including a landmark visa waiver deal that will allow citizens of both nations to travel visa-free for up to 90 days.
President William Ruto and his visiting counterpart, Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, on Tuesday oversaw deals aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.
“We recognise the foundations that already exist between our two nations and are pleased to announce the conclusion of a new Visa Waiver Agreement that allows citizens of both countries visa-free travel for up to 90 days,” President Ruto said at State House, Nairobi after hosting President Faye.
“This important milestone will foster stronger people-to-people ties and boost tourism, trade, and collaboration.”
Although the President announced a hassle-free process for citizens of both countries, he emphasised that the Joint Commission for Cooperation remains a vital platform to ensure the successful implementation of the agreements. That means officials from both sides will decide when the new policy begins, and what other requirements travellers will have to meet.
Kenya, on its part, will continue demanding that travellers from Senegal file a free electronic travel authorisation (eTA) before boarding a flight.
Both countries warned that there will be no room for illegal overstays.
“Kenya is ready to host the inaugural session of the Joint Cooperation Commission (JCC) in the second half of 2026. Through the JCC, we will strengthen cooperation in several sectors that are mutually beneficial to our two nations. In particular, we will engage and seek to conclude new instruments that will expand our bilateral cooperation,” President Ruto added.
Kenya has, since January, abolished visa requirements for all Africans except Libya and Somalia whose nationals must file an eTA some 72 hours before travel. And President Ruto says the teething problems earlier witnessed with the eTA have since been surmounted with the country expected to benefit from increased flows of tourists.
“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. To echo the call of the Turkana people to the world: ‘Tobong’u Lorre!’ Kenya has a simple message to humanity: Welcome Home! This is why the government has abolished the requirement of visas for all our visitors,” President Ruto said at the time.
President Ruto noted that trade volumes between Kenya and Senegal remain low and need to be improved by removing barriers, enhancing transport and digital infrastructure, harmonising standards, and promoting business-to-business engagements. Senegal was one of the earliest countries in francophone West Africa where Kenya opened an embassy in 2018. It has since opened another in Cote d’Ivoire, and another new mission in Morocco in North Africa.
“We reaffirm our commitment to the goals of Agenda 2063 and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a transformative framework that will drive industrialisation, trade, and economic integration across the continent.”
Kenya also expressed interest in tapping into Senegal’s experience to boost its sports capacity as it prepares to co-host AFCON 2027.
“We commit to exploring joint initiatives such as exchange programmes for coaches and athletes, co-hosting regional tournaments, and establishing joint training camps. By combining Kenya’s strength in athletics and Senegal’s prowess in football, we aim to uplift our youth and enhance cultural diplomacy.”
On peace and security, the two leaders expressed appreciation for ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening regional stability and pledged to collaborate in resolving conflicts.
The two countries also committed to advancing the African Union Reform Agenda in pursuit of what President Ruto described as a union fit for realising the aspirations of Africa’s Agenda 2063.
President Ruto stated that the 2063 aspirations would reposition the AU as a robust and dynamic institution capable of leading Africa into a prosperous future and serving the best interests of the continent and its citizens.
President Diomaye was the chief guest at the 62nd Mashujaa Day celebrations, which Kenya marked on Monday in Kitui County.
During his speech at the event, President Diomaye emphasised the importance of honouring and celebrating African heroes and heroines who played a pivotal role in the fight for independence.
He also paid tribute to the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying Kenya had lost a champion of democracy.
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