Ruto Announces Visa-Free Entry of Indonesia Citizens to Kenya

President William Ruto has announced that Indonesian citizens will be granted visa-free entry into Kenya.

Speaking on Monday during a press conference at State House with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Ruto emphasized that this move is a significant step towards strengthening the relationship between the two nations and expressed Kenya's openness to working with Indonesia. Previously, only diplomatic and service passport holders were exempt from visa requirements, but now all Indonesian passport holders can visit Kenya without a visa. This announcement follows similar moves made in July when the Kenyan government allowed Comoros and Senegal nationals to enter the country visa-free.

"As our part as Kenya, we have taken the decision to extend the visa-free entry not only to holders of diplomatic and service passports but to all holders of the Indonetian passport, so our friends from Indonesia can now come to Kenya visa-free," Ruto said. 

Ruto also made a commitment to end the visa requirement for Comoros citizens by the end of 2023. During a bilateral meeting between President William Ruto and Senegal President Macky Sall, it was announced that both countries will allow visa-free visits. Kenya lifted visa restrictions for Senegalese passport holders, and Senegal has reciprocated by providing free visa entry to Kenyan passport holders.

On Saturday, August 19, Ruto said he is committed to strengthening relations with South Sudan and pursuing joint infrastructure projects under the LAPSSET initiative. During talks with President Salva Kiir, Ruto emphasized that these projects would enhance connectivity, promote regional integration, and boost intra-regional trade for mutual prosperity. The two leaders also signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a fibre optic cable along the Eldoret-Juba road.