Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has detailed that technology will be used to control the anticipated influx of visitors beginning January 2024 following President William Ruto's directive allowing visa-free entries.
In a statement dated Thursday, Mwaura detailed that the government will rely on the Integrated Border Management Information System for the exercise.
On the other hand, it will use the prior electronic travel authorisation to mitigate delays and help advance the security of the country.
Mwaura made the revelations amid security concerns raised by a section of Kenyans who anticipated higher traffic at the airports.
Meanwhile, the Spokesperson maintained that the initiative by Ruto's administration was necessary as it would promote tourism and boost the economy in the long run.
"Our growing global presence necessitates us also to open doors for visitors to our country and boost our tourism sector in turn. Currently, we receive about 1.48 million tourists.
"This will increase to 2.5 million in the short term and over 4.5 million by 2027, bulging our income from tourism by over 200 per cent," read the statement in part.
Detailed security measures on how the government will move to deny entry to scrupulous individuals will ill intent are yet to be detailed to the public.
The visa-free entry declaration is set to take effect from January 2024, as declared by Ruto during the 60th Jamhuri Day Celebrations.
According to the head of state, the move will be more beneficial to Kenya owing to the anticipated increase in trade and tourism activities.
Notably, the President also called on other countries to follow in Kenya's footsteps and make their countries accessible for trade and tourism.
“It shall no longer be necessary for any person from any corner of the globe to carry the burden of applying for a visa to come to Kenya. To echo the call of the Turkana people to the world Tobong’u Lorre! Kenya has a simple message to humanity. Welcome Home!” he stated.
On November 3, Rwanda President Paul Kagame also announced that Africans will no longer require a visa to visit the East African country. Kagame, who has been at the helm of power for nearly 24 years, aimed at boosting the free movement of people and trade and increasing foreign exchange.
"Any African can get on a plane to Rwanda whenever they wish, and they will not pay a thing to enter our country. We should not lose sight of our continental market,” Kagame announced.
“Africans are the future of global tourism as our middle class continues to grow at a fast pace in the decades to come," he added.
Gambia, Benin and Seychelles also waived visas for African nationals with the wave expected to pick in 2024.
