Kenya, 21 October 2025 - Kenya and Senegal have officially signed a visa-free travel agreement that will allow citizens of both countries to visit each other for up to 90 days without visa restrictions.
The landmark deal was announced on Monday at State House, Nairobi, during a joint press conference between the host President William Ruto and his Senegalese counterpart Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
President Ruto said the agreement will apply to holders of diplomatic, official, and ordinary passports, and marks a new chapter in the friendship between the two nations.
“We are pleased to announce the conclusion of a new waiver arrangement that will allow citizens of both Kenya and Senegal to travel visa-free for up to 90 days,” President Ruto said.
“This initiative will not only ease travel between our two countries, but also enhance trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.”
The two leaders also held bilateral discussions focusing on trade, education, climate action, and investment opportunities, signaling stronger cooperation within Africa’s broader vision of regional integration.
President Faye, who assumed office early 2024 as Senegal’s youngest president, hailed the deal as a symbol of African unity and mutual respect.
He noted that the partnership between Nairobi and Dakar reflects a growing determination among African states to strengthen ties without relying heavily on external intermediaries.
“This agreement reflects our shared belief that Africa’s future lies in greater collaboration and the free movement of people, goods, and ideas,” President Faye said.
The visa-free arrangement is expected to spur more direct business and cultural exchanges between East and West Africa, helping bridge what President Ruto called “a historic gap between African regions that must work together to thrive.”
He adds that the move aligns with the country’s commitment to continental integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which promotes the free movement of people and goods across the continent.
Travel industry players have also welcomed the decision, saying it will simplify mobility for entrepreneurs, students, and tourists, while opening up new opportunities for collaboration in aviation, technology, and agriculture.
President Faye was the chief guest for this year’s 62nd Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui County where he paid tribute to the late Prime Minister Odinga, hailing him as a hero who fought for democracy.