Kenya’s Passport Ranking Declines in Global List

Kenya’s passport has dropped to 73rd place in the latest Henley Passport Index, reflecting a decline in global travel freedom despite recent domestic reforms.

The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of countries their holders can enter without a prior visa. Kenyan citizens currently have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 70 countries, down from 74 in the previous year.

This decline places Kenya behind other African nations such as Seychelles, Mauritius, and South Africa. Kenya’s passport ranking has fluctuated over the years, peaking at 55th in 2006 before falling to 77th in 2021.

A partial recovery to 67th in 2024 was followed by the latest drop. Analysts link these changes to Kenya’s limited reciprocal visa agreements, especially with major regions like the Schengen Area, where Kenyan nationals still require visas unless they hold valid residence permits.

President William Ruto has promoted a visa-free travel agenda, citing economic benefits and Kenya’s historical importance. In 2024, his government introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for visitors, replacing traditional visas.

By July 2025, Kenya had exempted most African nationals from ETA requirements, excluding citizens of Libya and Somalia due to security concerns. The President referenced Kenya’s role in human origins, noting scientific discoveries in Turkana County.

Although these policies have increased inbound tourism and strengthened continental ties, they have not yet improved travel access for Kenyan citizens abroad. The Henley Passport Index treats ETAs as visa-free because they are simple to obtain, but this classification has not resulted in wider visa-free entry for Kenyan travellers internationally.

Globally, Singapore remains at the top of the Henley Passport Index.