Kenyans could soon visit South Africa without visas if the two governments adopt a plan to scrap the requirement and improve screening.
South Africans would also no longer need visas to travel to Kenya.
South Africa Home Affairs minister Malusi Gigaba said the two countries have proposed measures to address security and other concerns before visa requirements are scrapped for Kenyans visiting the county.
“The issue has been about risk management. We have agreed to place airline liaison officers from South Africa in Nairobi and those from Kenya will be in Johannesburg. We want immigrants prescreened before they are allowed to visit either of the countries,” he said. Gigaba said human traffickers, poachers, terrorists and other illegal migrants have been moving from the horn of Africa through Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique and finally to South Africa, because of lack of proper risk management.
He addressed journalists at Serena Hotel, Nairobi, after meeting with Interior CS Joseph Nkaissery. The minister said the waiver on visa service charge for diplomatic and official passports has taken effect. The charge was reduced from Sh7,100 to Sh4,900.
“We are now working on having those applying for study to be issued with visa for the duration of their stay,” he said. The minister said they have formed a team to meet twice a year to ensure the agreements are implemented.
He denied that it takes a long time for one to acquire a South African passport after application.