Kenya and Senegal have signed a landmark agreement allowing citizens from both nations to travel without visa restrictions, marking a new era of partnership between East and West Africa.
The bilateral deal was signed on Tuesday at State House, Nairobi, by Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Senegal’s Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Niang. The signing was witnessed by President William Ruto and his Senegalese counterpart Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who is on a state visit to Kenya.
Under the agreement, citizens holding diplomatic or ordinary passports will be free to enter, stay or transit through either country for up to 90 days without requiring a visa.
President Ruto described the pact as a milestone in promoting cooperation between the two nations.
“We reaffirmed our joint cooperation in peace, security, energy, trade and foreign affairs to promote sustainable development. This visa waiver will strengthen people-to-people ties and boost tourism and trade,” Ruto said.
Both leaders acknowledged that trade volumes between Kenya and Senegal remain low but agreed to intensify efforts to lift trade barriers and improve connectivity through transport and digital infrastructure.
Ruto further invited Senegal to share its expertise from hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as Kenya prepares to co-host the 2027 tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
“We are committed to exchange programs for coaches and athletes, co-hosting regional tournaments and building joint training facilities,” Ruto added.
President Diomaye’s visit comes ahead of the Mashujaa Day celebrations, where he was the chief guest during Monday’s national event in Kitui County.
The visa-free deal is expected to open new doors for cross-border trade, tourism, and investment, while fostering stronger continental ties between Kenya and Senegal.
