- Mwaura stated they are projecting over two million international arrivals by the end of the year.
- This is an increase from the current 1.48 million, a significant improvement from the last two decades.
Image: FILE
The government has continued to witness an influx of foreigners trooping to the country since President William Ruto’s directive abolishing visa requirements took effect this year.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said Thursday in his weekly press briefing that at least 120, 000 applications have been received raking in about Sh600 million.
The collection is from the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) which the applicants are required to possess before being allowed in.
ETA replaced the visa that was said to be tedious, complex and costly.
Out of the number, Mwaura stated that 115, 000 have been allowed in while 5, 000 were denied.
The Ministry of Interior in November issued a Gazette notice pegging ETA charges at $30 (about Sh4,600 at the current exchange rate).
“The program is working very well, there has been a great demand for information and we continue to streamline it to ensure it realises its vision,” he said.
“In the long term it can yield up to $30 billion dollars, we are talking about trillions of shillings in our economy ever,” he added.
Mwaura stated they are projecting over two million international arrivals by the end of the year up from the current 1.48 million, a significant improvement from the last two decades.
President William Ruto announced during last year’s Jamhuri Day Celebration that the country will adopt a free-visa regime for all international visitors starting January 1, 2024.
“It is with great pleasure, as President of this extraordinary country, to make a historic announcement of the decision of the Government of Kenya. Kenya will be a visa-free country,” Ruto said.
Application for ETA is done through the electronic portal on www.etakenya.go.ke.
The application, outlined in Form 22 of the First Schedule, includes biographical information, travel itinerary, and any additional details requested by the Director.
The notice emphasizes that carriers arriving in Kenya are prohibited from allowing passengers without a valid ETA to board.
Non-compliance with this regulation may result in an administrative penalty of $10, 000 for carriers or agents in command, as stipulated in regulation 16 C.
However, Possession of an ETA does not guarantee entry; the government retains the right to deny entry for rule violations.
Airlines must submit passenger information to immigration officers, who will conduct fact-checks for accuracy.
Providing false information incurs a Sh1.57 million penalty.
The immigration department will cross-check data against watch lists to identify criminals or suspects.