- Mudavadi said the removal of visas for all African countries reaffirms Kenya's commitment to fostering a robust, creative and engaging foreign policy.
- He insisted that while the process has its challenges, they will all be addressed in no time.
Image: PCSP
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi now says the government is working to streamline the visa-free system to ensure a smooth process, as part of improving trade and investment ties.
Speaking on Monday, Mudavadi said the removal of visas for all African countries reaffirms Kenya's commitment to fostering a robust, creative and engaging foreign policy to amplify partnerships with African countries and the rest of the world.
He insisted that while the process has its challenges, they will all be addressed in no time.
“I am aware that the implementation of the visa-free regime has its teething challenges but I assure you that we are aware of these concerns which continue to be addressed and soon we will have a flawless regime,” he said.
Mudavadi who also doubles up as the Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS was speaking during a meeting with the African diplomatic corps in Nairobi.
The visa-free directive for all African countries was given by President William Ruto in December last year and became effective on January 1, 2024.
He noted that Kenya and African countries enjoy long-standing relations founded on historical linkages, special bonds of friendships, shared values, and common aspirations for socio-economic prosperity.
He said these ties have continued to strengthen over the years through enhanced economic, cultural, educational and diplomatic exchanges.
“Our borders should be the starting point for our collective socioeconomic development and not edges of self-defence. It is in this context that President William Ruto announced the removal of visa requirements to all countries effective January 2024,” he stated.
“Over the last year, the government has facilitated 25 outbound and 39 inbound official visits at the Head of State level within Africa. Some 48 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with African countries are at various stages of implementation."
Mudavadi said that trade and investment is still one of the strongest pillars of bilateral relations anchored within the African Union mechanisms and framework, including, the Free Movement of Persons protocol and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He added that Kenya also recognizes the need to collaborate in mapping beneficial strands in the economic and trade engagements between countries, towards full realization of the AfCFTA as the apex of regional integration.
The Prime CS during the meeting also sought the support of countries in Kenya’s candidature to the African Union Commission.
Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to promoting solidarity, unity, and cooperation for the collective benefit of the continent.
Kenya has fronted Opposition leader Raila Odinga for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission.
The Kenya Kwanza administration has thrown its weight behind the Azimio leader and is currently constituting machinery for his campaigns.
The term of the current holder Moussa Faki of Chad ends in January 2025.