Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’Oei has raised concerns over Nigerian visa requirements for Kenyans.
Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’Oei says Kenya will pursue diplomatic and political action over difficulties facing citizens seeking Nigerian visas.
Kenya has protested the Nigerian visa process, saying its citizens face difficulties despite Kenya granting Nigerians visa-free entry. Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei said the government would seek a remedy through diplomatic and political channels.
In a statement on October 27, Sing’Oei criticised Nigeria’s treatment of Kenyan visa applicants. He also pointed to the lack of reciprocal entry arrangements between the two countries.
Nigerian visa process draws complaint
Sing’Oei responded to a social media user who raised concerns about documentation requirements and processing times. The user claimed Nigeria demanded more paperwork than the United Kingdom, United States and Schengen countries, while taking longer to process applications.
The complaint concerned a colleague seeking to attend a conference in Nigeria following an invitation from a local host. According to the post, the application required extra documents, including the host’s passport.
In response, Sing’Oei said Kenya would address the difficulties at both diplomatic and political levels. His statement focused on the inconvenience facing applicants and the difference between the countries’ entry policies.
Kenya’s visa-free entry policy
Kenya announced visa-free entry for international visitors effective January 1, 2024. The move followed President William Ruto’s directive during the country’s 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations in December 2023.
However, the arrangement did not remove pre-entry screening. Instead, Kenya replaced traditional visa requirements with an Electronic Travel Authorisation system, known as ETA.
Under that system, travellers undergo screening before entering Kenya. Sing’Oei cited Kenya’s visa-free treatment of Nigerian citizens as the basis for seeking reciprocal treatment for Kenyans.
