Kenya and Senegal have signed a landmark bilateral agreement that will allow citizens of both countries to travel without visa restrictions, marking a major step toward strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two African nations.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday afternoon at the State House, Nairobi, between Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Interior, Kipchumba Murkomen, and Senegal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Niang.
The signing was witnessed by President William Ruto and visiting Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
Under the new arrangement, citizens holding diplomatic and ordinary passports from both countries will be allowed to enter, stay, and transit through either country without a visa for a period not exceeding 90 days.
The move is expected to enhance cooperation in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange as the two nations seek to strengthen their bilateral relations.
''We reaffirmed our joint cooperation in peace, security, energy, trade, and foreign affairs, which aim to promote sustainable development between the two countries. We will continue to enhance our bilateral relations,'' President Ruto said while welcoming the signing of the agreement.
''The conclusion of a new visa waiver arrangement will allow citizens of both countries to travel between the two countries for upto 90 days. This will foster people-to-people ties and boost tourism and trade.''
Other Agreements
At the same time, Ruto revealed that during their talks, they noted that trade volumes between Kenya and the West African nation remain low. To address this, the two committed to holding more deliberations aimed at lifting the trade barriers that will enhance, among other things, transport and digital infrastructure.
Ruto also urged Senegal to share its experience and insights from hosting major continental football events such as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as Kenya prepares to co-host the 2027 tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
''We commit to joint exchange programmes, such as for coaches and athletes, co-hosting regional tournaments and establishing joint training camps,'' he added.
Further, during their discussions, Presidents Faye and Ruto deliberated on Kenya’s push for reforms within global and continental institutions such as the United Nations and the African Union.
Ruto said he had sought Senegal’s support for Kenya’s call to enhance fair representation at the UN, particularly within key organs such as the Security Council. He added that Kenya is also advocating for reforms within the African Union, targeting the African Court of Justice, the African Union Commission, and the continent’s peace and security initiatives.
Meanwhile, President Faye is making an official visit since arriving in the country on Sunday, ahead of the Mashujaa Day celebrations, which he attended as the chief guest on Monday in Kitui County.
