Kenyans To Visit South Africa Visa-Free: Ruto, Ramaphosa
Ruto announced that the deal was finalised and that Kenyans will travel to South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days a year.
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President William Ruto and his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa have signed a deal that sees the visa requirements for citizens between the two countries lifted.
Addressing the press at State House on Wednesday, November 9, Ruto announced that the deal was finalised and that Kenyans will travel to South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days a 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 Africa on a visa-free regime of up to 90 days per calendar year," he announced.
Ruto added that he and Ramaphosa have reached a deal that will introduce mechanisms for dealing with citizens from their respective countries who are found breaking laws in the host countries.
"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 added.
He also noted that the two heads of states have agreed to develop a sustainable mechanism to identify, monitor and resolve non-tariff barriers that limit the trade potential between the two countries.
On his part, President Ramaphosa praised the bilateral relations between the two countries which are based on a sound foundation of mutual respect, shared values, friendship and democratic values. These principles will continue to serve them well, especially in times of global uncertainty.
"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.
President Ruto expressed concern over continuous threats to international peace and security particularly conflicts in the horn of Africa. According to him, Kenya and South Africa will commit to playing their roles in the pursuit of sustainable peace and security in Africa and the world at large.
On the issues regarding Kenya Airways and South African Airways, Ruto revealed that he will make sure that the agreement signed by them manifests into a sort of 'brotherhood' airline.
"We are committed to ensuring that the agreement that was signed by our two airlines (Kenya, South Africa) goes forward and we are looking forward to making sure that this agreement brings about a Pan-African airline," he said.
Kenya Airways has flights to Cape Town and Johannesburg from Nairobi.
Kenya Airways planes at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. /REUTERS
