Kenya’s passport has dropped five places in the latest Henley Passport Index, ranking 73rd globally, down from 68th at the start of the year. The index, which compares 199 passports based on visa-free access to 227 destinations, shows that Kenyan passport holders can now travel visa-free to only 70 destinations worldwide.
While this may sound like a fair number, none of these destinations are in the European Schengen area. Instead, most of the countries that allow visa-free travel for Kenyans are located in Southern and Eastern Africa, including all members of the East African Community (EAC).
Over the years, the strength of the Kenyan passport has fluctuated. Its highest ranking came in 2006, when it was placed 55th globally, while its lowest point was 77th in 2021.
This latest decline comes just months after President William Ruto reiterated his ambition to make Kenya a visa-free destination in a bid to boost tourism, trade, and investment. Earlier in 2024, the government replaced the traditional visa system with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which costs Ksh4,600 (USD 30) and applies to all incoming visitors.
President Ruto explained that the decision to open Kenya’s borders was inspired by the scientific discovery that Turkana County is the cradle of mankind, symbolizing Kenya’s welcoming spirit.
In July 2024, Kenya went a step further by scrapping all ETA requirements for African nationals, with the exception of Libya and Somalia due to security concerns. This move fulfilled the government’s promise to champion a borderless Africa, promoting intra-African mobility and unity.
Despite these efforts, the Kenyan passport’s global ranking suggests that more work needs to be done in strengthening bilateral relations and expanding visa-free access beyond the continent.
