President William Ruto has announced that travelers in transit at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport will soon have the option to leave the airport for business or leisure while awaiting connecting flights. This development will be facilitated by the introduction of a long-connection Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
“It will now be possible for travelers who have 12 hours to step out of the airport. They can come and enjoy a meal in the city, visit a national park, see our wildlife, or explore our museum before returning,” Ruto stated.
He made these remarks during the Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2024 at Uhuru Gardens on Wednesday. The president emphasized that this new visa arrangement aims to increase the number of visitors to Kenya. “Our target is to make Kenya a must-visit destination and attract five million visitors a year by 2027,” he added.
Additionally, Ruto announced the introduction of a Digital Nomad Work Permit, specifically designed for global digital professionals. This permit will allow remote workers to live and work in Kenya while enjoying the country’s natural beauty.
“Kenya can be your home, where you and your family can experience the wonders of Magical Kenya every day while serving clients from anywhere in the world,” Ruto noted.
The government’s initiatives to support growth in the tourism sector also include upgrading transport networks, streamlining the issuance of travel documents, and enhancing security measures.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, the tourism sector experienced significant growth in 2023, with arrivals reaching 2 million, a rise from 1.48 million in 2022.
