Kenya is considering granting Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) exemptions to all African countries as part of efforts to support open skies policies and tourism growth.
The Cabinet sitting in Kakamega approved recommendations to enhance the (eTA) system “to boost efficiency and improve the traveller experience”, as well as “promote regional integration and ease travel across the continent”.
“Most African visitors will be allowed a two-month stay, while East African Community (EAC) nationals will continue to enjoy a six-month stay under EAC free movement protocols. To improve efficiency, an expedited eTA processing option will be introduced, allowing travellers to receive approval instantly, with processing time capped at 72 hours based on operational capacity,” the Cabinet brief read in part.
However, this initiative will exclude Libya and Somalia due to “security concerns”.
SITUATION IN LIBYA
Since the Libya Revolution and the brutal killing of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011,the security situation across the North African country remains volatile, with unannounced clashes between rival armed groups, political instability, high risk of terrorist attacks and of arbitrary arrest, and high crime rate.
The political situation also remains extremely fragile, with state institutions divided between rival political groups, which complicates the provision of essential services to the population, particularly in terms of security.
And despite the 2020 ceasefire deal between the rival governments of Tripoli and Benghazi and their affiliated militias, sporadic clashes between armed groups continue to occur.
The country also faces a migration crisis due to weak rule of law and the instability, and remains Africa’s main departure point to Europe for migrants seeking safety and opportunities abroad.
SITUATION IN SOMALIA
Somalia, which is an EAC, member continues to face security challenges due to Al Shabaab militia, who have continued their violent insurgency in southern and central parts of the country.
Despite concerted domestic, regional and international efforts to degrade the terror group, it has proved resilient, committing brazen terrorist attacks at home and in the region, particularly in Kenya.
While extending its authorization of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia until the end of 2024, the Security Council expressed “grave concern” that Al-Shabaab continues to pose “a serious threat to the peace, security and stability of Somalia and the region”.
In December, the Security Council endorsed the African Union Peace and Security Council’s decision to replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) with the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) in a move seeking to transition national security responsibilities to Somalia forces.
Kenya in August 2024 postponed the reopening of its border with Somalia following attacks by Al-Shabaab.
Then Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki, who is now the Deputy President, said phased reopening of Mandera, Lamu, and Garissa border posts could not take place as announced in May.
“The government will postpone the scheduled reopening of border points between Kenya and Somalia until we conclusively address the recent spate of terrorist attacks and cross-border crimes ,” Kindiki said during a visit to Dadaab refugee camp.
The border was officially closed in October 2011 due to terror attacks by Al-Shabaab.
Kenya Airways in October discontinued direct flights in October 2024 due to what it termed as “operational challenges”. The national airline had just reintroduced the direct flights in February 2024.
In the new eTA plan, an Advanced Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record system will be introduced to enhance pre-screening, strengthen security, and streamline passenger processing at entry points.
In this regard, the Cabinet brief indicated, the ministers of National Treasury, Transport, Interior, and Tourism were mandated to review, report, and, within a week, propose guidelines to improve travellers’ experience at all Kenyan airports.
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