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KENYA - After years of intense negotiations, Kenyans can come to South Africa without a visa. The new dispensation starting in 2023 has been announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Kenyan counterpart, President William Ruto.
Ruto is hosting Ramaphosa, who is on a State visit to Kenya. The two leaders have also focused on strengthening economic, political and social cooperation.
Ramaphosa said this agreement on visas will stimulate tourism between the two countries and has warned against abuse of the system.
“We are going to be monitoring this much more closely and we are setting in place various mechanisms and both South Africa and Kenya to make sure that what we have agreed to is adhered to and that no one takes advantage of the agreement that we have reached.”
President Ruto said this marked a new chapter and it will also stimulate tourism.
“This has been a challenge that has been with us for many years. Under the new regime, we can build a greater relationship in business, culture, and communal relationships. In Social relationships, because we can be able to move in a better framework.”
Both leaders have also called for guns to be silenced on the continent.
President Ramaphosa says they need to focus on strengthening peace in Africa.
“During our discussions, we spoke about several issues affecting the continent including the situation in the
DRC, Ethiopia and Western Sahara. We agreed that we need to remain focused on issues affecting our regions and continent and not be distracted by other global matters that are not of our making.”