Senators have opened an inquiry into the effectiveness of free visa requirements for global visitors travelling to Kenya.
In January, the government abolished the visa requirement to open up the country for trade and tourism.
The Electronic Travel Authorisation system replaced the vacated visa requirements.
This is designed for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to or transiting through the country, especially by air.
Five months into the implementation of the policy, senators are seeking to establish the effectiveness and efficiency of the strategy.
The Senate National Security, Defense and Foreign Relations Committee is seeking to establish the regulatory and oversight measures to prevent abuse.
“The committee should outline the regulatory and oversight measures the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Service has put in place to ensure that visa-free policy is not abused and does not pose security risks to the country,” said Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga.
He petitioned the Senate, through the committee, to inquire into the policy.
Kenya is the second country in Africa to open its borders recently.
On November 3 last year, Rwanda announced visa-free travel for all Africans.
In the inquiry, the panel will establish details on the trade, industrialisation and tourism sectors.
The review will also disclose the total revenue generated by the government since the commencement of the policy on January 1.
In the probe, Wamatinga wants the management of the State Department to state compliance measures.
“The committee should explain the challenges in operationalising the policy, such as reiterations from countries that previously enjoyed visa exemptions to enter Kenya and the measures in place to address such challenges,” Wamatinga said.
President William Ruto announced the free visa policy last year.
The President said upon identification, the visitor will obtain an electronic travel authorisation.
"To echo the call of the Turkana people to the world: “Tobong’u Lorre!” a simple message to humanity: Welcome Home!" Ruto said during the 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens in December.
He has been championing the realisation of a borderless Africa by advocating for visa-free travel.
Before the new policy, citizens from 51 countries enjoyed visa-free entry to Kenya, while travellers from 155 other countries were subject to a visa application process for $50 (6,625).
Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda said it Is important for the country to know the effectiveness and benefits of the policy.
“It is very key and important to note the data and how much revenue it has used,” she said.
