Kenyans and Beninese citizens will soon enjoy visa-free travel between their countries, following the signing of a new bilateral agreement. The deal was inked on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York by Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, and Benin’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari.
The agreement, which takes effect next month, allows nationals from both countries to travel for up to 180 days visa-free. However, the waiver does not permit employment. After six months, travelers will be required to apply for visas under the host country’s immigration laws.
Certain exemptions remain in place. Holders of valid diplomatic, official, or service passports who are appointed to diplomatic or consular missions, along with their families, will still need visas to enter either country.
Minister Bakari hailed the move as a progressive step towards African integration, emphasizing opportunities for young people.
“The waiver means that we are integrating the citizens of Africa and helping our youth take advantage of opportunities in Africa. It is a strong message,” he said.
In addition to the Benin agreement, Mudavadi held a meeting with Yvan Gil Pinto, Venezuela’s Minister of People’s Power for Foreign Affairs. Pinto reaffirmed Venezuela’s commitment to strengthening ties with Africa, highlighting that 57 percent of Venezuela’s population has African heritage. He stressed the need to fast-track pending cooperation agreements in tourism, agriculture, and education.
Mudavadi welcomed Venezuela’s pledge, saying the upcoming meetings in Brazil and Nairobi could serve as opportunities to sign new Memorandums of Understanding. He also reiterated Kenya’s commitment to multilateralism and the United Nations.
The visa-free deal between Kenya and Benin reflects a growing trend among African nations to ease travel restrictions, boost regional cooperation, and unlock opportunities for citizens across the continent.
