Kenya has waived visa requirements for all nationals of Angola with immediate effect. The decision announced on Saturday is prompted by need to ensure the improvement of people-to-people interaction as well as trade and investment between Kenya and Angola.

“Angolans coming to Kenya will not require a visa. Angola will equally consider the same for Kenyans,” said President William Ruto.

This, he added, will facilitate a wider interaction of diverse ideas, resources and businesses.

At a meeting with visiting Angolan President João Manuel Goncalves Lorenco in Nairobi on Saturday, the two leaders also directed respective ministers responsible for Transport to expedite and conclude discussions on the resumption of direct flights between Kenya and Angola.

President William Ruto said Kenya-Angola trade has been on the rise in the past four years.

However, he observed that more needs to be done to unlock the underlying potential.

“There is a huge scope for these numbers to go up if we strengthen our interconnection.”

The two leaders also had a joint media briefing where Kenya pledged to support Angola’s candidature for membership in the African Union Peace and Security Council.

During the event, 11 legal instruments were signed.

They include on wildlife and conservation, shipping and maritime, mining, youth affairs, forestry, agriculture, ICT, oil and gas, health, diplomacy and public service.

President Lourenço told the media that the instruments provide a rich foundation for the growth of Kenya-Angola relations.

“This will usher in a new era of our common prosperity,” he said.