In a major diplomatic stride towards realizing the African Union’s dream of free movement, Kenya and Senegal have signed a landmark bilateral agreement that entirely lifts visa restrictions for citizens of both countries.
The agreement, which marks a significant strengthening of diplomatic and economic ties, was formalized on Tuesday afternoon at State House, Nairobi.
The pact was signed by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Interior, Kipchumba Murkomen, and Senegal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Niang.
The momentous signing was witnessed by Kenyan President William Ruto and his visiting Senegalese counterpart, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
The 90-Day Visa-Free Corridor
Under the new arrangement, citizens holding both diplomatic and ordinary passports from Kenya and Senegal will be allowed to enter, stay, and transit through either country without a visa. This visa-free stay is valid for a period not exceeding 90 days.
The move is expected to unleash new potential across various sectors.
“The conclusion of a new visa waiver arrangement will allow citizens of both countries to travel between the two countries for up to 90 days. This will foster people-to-people ties and boost tourism and trade,” President Ruto stated while welcoming the agreement.
The two Heads of State reaffirmed their joint commitment to closer collaboration across key sectors, including Peace and Security, Energy, Trade and Foreign Affairs
“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 added.
Pushing for Increased Trade and AFCON support
Despite the strong diplomatic ties, both leaders noted that trade volumes between the East African and West African nations remain low. To address this imbalance, the two committed to holding more deliberations aimed at lifting persistent trade barriers. The discussions will specifically focus on enhancing transport and digital infrastructure and harmonising standards to promote business-to-business engagement.
Kenya also sought to leverage Senegal’s experience in sports management as the country prepares to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027 alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
President Ruto urged Senegal to share its insights from hosting major continental football events, committing to “joint exchange programmes, such as for coaches and athletes, co-hosting regional tournaments and establishing joint training camps.”
Global and Continental Reforms
During their high-level talks, Presidents Faye and Ruto also deliberated on Kenya’s ambitious push for reforms within global and continental institutions.
President Ruto sought Senegal’s support for Kenya’s call to enhance fair representation at the United Nations, particularly within key organs such as the Security Council. Additionally, Kenya is 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 to make the union “fit for purpose” for Agenda 2063.
President Faye’s visit, which began on Sunday, culminated with him attending the Mashujaa Day celebrations on Monday in Kitui County as the chief guest, further underscoring the deepening partnership between the two African republics.
