Kenya and Eritrea have reached a decision to abolish visa requirements between the two nations.

Kenya’s President William Ruto and Eritrea’s Isaias Afwerki on Thursday held bilateral talks in Nairobi, where they agreed to develop comprehensive plans of cooperation in various sectors including agriculture, trade and investment; air transport; mining, education, renewable energy, water management, tourism, the blue economy and regional integration.

“To facilitate growth in Trade and connectivity between our people and business, we have agreed to abolish the requirement of Visas permanently, effective today,” said President Ruto.

The subsequent ministries from both countries will work on the modalities for the ratification of the visa directive.

To deepen the bilateral relations, Kenya will now open a diplomatic mission representation in Asmara, the capital city of Eritrea.

“I have no doubt, that stronger cooperation will go a long way in driving the African agenda at the global level at a time when dynamics beyond the continent, continue to impact negatively on the lives of our people,” the Head of State noted. 

Eritrea becomes the second country to open its borders to Kenyans since President William Ruto assumed office in September 2022. 

In November 2022, President Ruto and his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa agreed to abolish the visa requirement for nationals.  

“Kenyans holding ordinary passports will be allowed to enter South Africa on a visa-free regime for up to 90 days per calendar year,” President Ruto announced.