The Kenyan passport has risen five places in the latest global rankings, despite recent controversies involving the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
According to the latest report by Henley & Partners, Kenya moved up from position 69 to 64 globally.
The Henley Passport Index uses exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which is the world’s largest and most comprehensive travel database, to compare 199 passports across 227 destinations.
As per the latest report, Kenya ranks 10th in Africa, behind countries such as South Africa, Morocco, Seychelles, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Malawi, Eswatini, and Mauritius.
Immigration PS Julius Bitok at a press conference on May 31, 2023 (left) as a sample of a Kenyan passport.
Photo
Kithure Kindiki
Kenyan passport holders can access approximately 69 to 74 destinations, including visa-free and visa-on-arrival (VOA) options, ranking it among the top 10 most powerful passports in Africa. The list frequently changes, but it generally offers access to over 60 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
In the East African Community, Tanzania closely follows Kenya, ranking 65 in the same report, while Uganda trails at position 71 globally.
The rise in rankings can largely be attributed to global mobility realignments, where declines in the relative standing of other countries improved Kenya’s position, rather than a significant increase in visa-free access.
Other key factors include improved bilateral diplomatic ties and the adoption of Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTA), which are categorised as visa-free access.
Amid the rise in rankings, Kenya has been in the spotlight, with the government being accused of issuing passports to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary wing of Sudan accused of atrocities in Sudan.
The government, through the Immigration Department dismissed these allegations, while appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Internal Security on Monday, March 16, with the Immigration Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang saying that the documents are only granted to verified Kenyan citizens.
On the other hand, the Visa-Free status of Kenya has also been challenged, with concerns over Kenya granting Nigeria visa-free access, and then denying Kenyans, as Kenyans are required to pay more than Ksh10,000 to enter Nigeria, thus raising serious concerns.
To enhance Kenya’s travel and diplomatic standing, the government has implemented key reforms, including abolishing the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for most African visitors and modernising immigration systems to facilitate regional integration.
Kenyans receiving their passports at Nyayo House on May 13, 2024
Photo
Kithure Kindiki
