Ruto Seal Visa-Free Deal With South Africa’s President Ramaphosa
President William Ruto and his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday 9th November, 2022 lifted visa requirements for citizens between the two countries.
Addressing the press at State House on Wednesday, November 9, President Ruto noted that the deal had been finalized and that Kenyan citizens would have visa-free access for 90 days per year.
“From January 1, 2023, we will have a different regime thanks to your personal intervention in this matter and the wealth of experience that has been brought on board by your officials “Kenyans holding ordinary passports will be allowed to enter South A Africa on a visa-free regime of up to 90 days per calendar year,” stated the Head of State.
Ruto further revealed that he and Ramaphosa had reached an agreement on how to deal with citizens from their respective countries who are found flaunting laws in the host nations.
“The two countries have also agreed on a return policy when immigration laws are breached to make sure that bad elements that try to infiltrate our borders are dealt with firmly and decisively,” he remarked.
In addition, he announced that a resolution had been reached upon to identify, monitor and resolve non-tariff barriers that affect trade between the two countries.
On his part, Ramaphosa reiterated that South Africa was committed to maintaining strong bilateral relations with Kenya in several areas of mutual interest.
“We are committed to ensuring that the agreements signed now and in the past will be implemented fully. Kenyans and South Africans have a multiplicity of relations which will be enhanced through these agreements,” the President stated.
While commenting on the visa-free deal, CS for trade and Industrialization, Kuria noted that the deal had made citizens of two nations equal.
“Everyone in this room today can travel to South Africa without a visa, just the same way they came to Kenya. You have made us equal and proud.”
