Kenyans To Travel To Senegal Visa-Free After Signing Of New Deal
President William Ruto and Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who is on an official visit to Kenya, witnessed the signing ceremony.
Marvin Chege 
Kenya and Senegal have inked a historic bilateral deal that scraps visa requirements for their citizens, signaling a major boost in diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations.
The agreement was formalized on Tuesday afternoon at State House, Nairobi, where Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Interior, Kipchumba Murkomen, and Senegal’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Sheikh Niang, signed the accord.
President William Ruto and Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who is on an official visit to Kenya, witnessed the signing ceremony.
According to the pact, holders of both diplomatic and ordinary passports from Kenya and Senegal can now enter, stay, or transit through either country visa-free for up to 90 days.
Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye signs a condolence book eulogising Raila Odinga as Kenya's President William Ruto looks on at State House, Nairobi on October 21, 2025. /PCS
The visa-free deal is expected to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange as Kenya and Senegal work to deepen their bilateral ties.
“We reaffirmed our joint cooperation in peace, security, energy, trade, and foreign affairs, which aim to promote sustainable development between the two countries. We will continue to enhance our bilateral relations,” President Ruto said while welcoming the agreement.
“The conclusion of a new visa waiver arrangement will allow citizens of both countries to travel between the two countries for up to 90 days. This will foster people-to-people ties and boost tourism and trade.”
Other Agreements
Ruto noted that during his talks with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, both sides acknowledged that trade volumes between Kenya and Senegal remain relatively low. To address this, they agreed to hold further consultations to remove trade barriers and improve areas such as transport and digital infrastructure.
Ruto also invited Senegal to share its experience from hosting major continental football tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as Kenya gears up to co-host the 2027 edition with Uganda and Tanzania.
“We commit to joint exchange programmes, such as for coaches and athletes, co-hosting regional tournaments and establishing joint training camps,” he added.
The two leaders also discussed Kenya’s push for institutional reforms at both the global and continental level — including within the United Nations and the African Union.
Ruto said he had sought Senegal’s backing for Kenya’s demand for fairer representation at the UN, especially in key decision-making bodies like the Security Council.
He further stated that Kenya is advocating for reforms within the African Union, targeting the African Court of Justice, the AU Commission, and the continent’s peace and security structures.
President Faye’s visit marks his first official trip to Kenya since his arrival on Sunday. He was the chief guest at the Mashujaa Day celebrations held in Kitui County on Monday.
