Transit travellers through Nairobi will now be allowed to step out of the airport premises for business and pleasure following the introduction of transit and long-connection Electronic Travel Authorisation, President Ruto announced Wednesday.
He was speaking in the Kenyan capital during the Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2024 when he noted that the arrangement would eliminate the boredom of waiting at the airport for long hours to connect to their destinations when the travellers can step out for business and leisure.
“It will now be possible for travellers who have 12 hours instead of spending it at the airport, they can step out,” Dr Ruto said.
“They can come and enjoy a meal in the city, they can go to the National Park, they can see our wildlife, they can visit our national museum and be able to travel back. And that visa arrangement is being rolled out to make sure that we have additional numbers of people visiting our country.”
President Ruto also announced the introduction of Digital Nomad Work Permit, in a plan that targets global digital professionals who want to work remotely as they enjoy the country's natural beauty.
This permit, the president said, is “specifically designed to welcome global digital professionals, allowing them to live and work in Kenya while enjoying the country's natural beauty and high-quality lifestyle.”
“Kenya can be your home, where you and your family can experience the wonders of magical Kenya every day, all while serving clients from anywhere in the world on your digital platform,” Dr Ruto said.
Following the announcement, Kenya joins the more than 25 countries that already offer visas for digital nomads.
According to a Migration Policy Institute report, as of June 2022, more than 25 countries and territories had introduced “digital nomad” visa programmes.
President Ruto, who touted the country as a land of scenic wonders, urged the visitors to experience the country’s breathtaking landscapes and drilling adventures from coastline to mountain peaks and adventures in between.
Kenya is renowned for its iconic wildlife in national parks, from the spectacular great migration of the wild beasts in the Maasai Mara to the majestic elephants of the Amboseli National Park.
“These are just some of the experiences that make Kenya truly extraordinary. I invite you to explore, connect with our people, and celebrate everything that makes Kenya a top global destination,” President Ruto said.
Tourism, according to Dr Ruto, is fundamental to the country’s economy, contributing significantly to employment, foreign exchange, infrastructure development, and hospitality growth.
In 2022, Kenya's international tourist arrivals were 1,483,752 which represented a 70.45 per cent increase as compared to 2021 arrivals of 870,465.
The inbound receipts grew up to Sh268.09 billion compared to Sh146.51 billion in 2021, which is a growth of 83 per cent, according to the tourism ministry.
The nearly 1.5 million visitors arrived in Kenya for different purposes, with visitors on holiday leading at 36.6 per cent followed by those visiting friends and family at 27.8 per cent of the total, the ministry said.
“By the end of 2023 Kenya welcomed over two million visitors, generating Sh350 billion in revenue, a clear indicator of our global appeal,” he explained, adding that by the end of this year, the country aims to have attracted over 2.5 million tourists —"the highest tourists in Kenya’s history,” he observed.
Further, in the grand plan, Dr Ruto said, the country targets to attract five million annually by 2027.
“Achieving this requires concerted efforts from all players in the sector to position Kenya as a must-visit destination that 5 million is attainable,” President Ruto said.
“Our incredible diversity, with over 40 distinct cultures, offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in our rich cultural heritage,” Dr Ruto added.
But the Head of State steered clear of politics. Stepping out in public for the first time since the tabling of the impeachment motion against his deputy, Dr Ruto did not politick—nor mention anything to do with the impeachment of Mr Rigathi Gachagua.
