The African Regional Organization of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has asked Nigeria and other African countries to emulate the new Kenyan visa policy, describing it as a significant step to achieve a true regional integration, economic progress and unity in the continent.
In a statement signed by its general secretary, Akhator Joel Odigie, and made available to journalists in Abuja, Ituc-Africa praised Kenya's leadership for taking what he described as “a bold and imaginative step” towards the deepening of African solidarity and advancing in the continental dream of mobility without problems for their people.
According to Ituc-Africa, the new visa policy of Kenya, which entered into force through Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 73 underlined as Legislative Supplement No. 44 and the Legal Notice No. 93 on May 30, 2025 is a reflective historical movement of Kenya's commitment to the ideals of the African unit, the development centered on people and economic integration.
The law, signed by Mr. Kipchumba Murkomen, secretary of the Kenyan Cabinet for the Administration of the Interior and National, exempts citizens of almost all African countries of the visa requirements, being Somalia and Libya the only exceptions.
“We are excited about this progress from the Kenyan government, which is a bold and imaginative step of the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization System (ETA).
“In addition, we hope that the elimination of input visas for people carrying African passports will inspire other African governments to take similar measures and make efforts that facilitate the mobility of African peoples within the continent,” said Ituc-Africa.
Highlighting the broader implications of this development, Ituc-Africa said that Kenya's new policy is not only an impulse for tourism, but also domestic trade, the mobility of skills, cross-border employment, business opportunities and cultural exchanges. The organization pointed out that by allowing African citizens to enter and remain in Kenya for periods that go from 30 days to 60 days and up to six months for citizens of the countries of the Eastern Africa (EAC) community, the policy reinforces Africa's commitment to the principles of the Free African Movement Union.
“This progressive movement places Kenya between a growing number of African nations that take tangible measures to operationalize, in part, the Free Movement Protocol of the African Union. Without a doubt, this political movement would increase the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade area (AFCFTA),” said the statement.
Ituc-Africa also took the opportunity to recognize other African countries that have already adopted similar policies.
“Before the change of Kenya's policy, countries such as Rwanda, Mauricio, Senegal and Benin had already implemented the entrance without visas for Africans. Earlier this year, Ghana joined this transformative trend by announcing access without visas for the headlines of African passports. We greet these countries, their governments and peoples,” he said.
The Trade Union Confederation expressed optimism that these developments mark the beginning of a broader movement throughout the continent to eliminate artificial barriers that have long hindered the growth of Africa. “We are in a hurry to celebrate more African countries that contribute to advancing in the integration of Africa and the genuine decolonization of our borders” that were erected since 1884 in Berlin, Germany, without the participation, consultation and consent of the Africans, “the organization emphasized.
Ituc-Africa reaffirmed that regional integration remains a critical component of the Africa Development Agenda. He said that the challenges of globalization in the last two decades have demonstrated to developing nations, particularly in Africa, the importance of grouping resources and joining efforts within the largest and most stronger regional economic and political blockages.
“The lifting of visa restrictions is a strategic facilitator of the ICFT The development included “, which requires directly.
Expressing pride in recent progress, Ituc-Africa said that such positive actions validate the long-standing defense efforts of African unions and civil society actors who have campaigned tirelessly for a continent that prioritizes solidarity, regional integration and freedom of movement of their people.
“This is a good step forward. Today we will celebrate. Tomorrow, we will continue the fight for a united, safe, prosperous and fair Africa,” Odigie said.
In his last words of breath, Ituc-Africa urged African governments, particularly Nigeria and others who have not yet adopted similar measures, to inspire Kenya's visionary leadership.
“We urge you to continue taking socioeconomic security measures and humans and remain firmly committed to the collective ambition of an Africa without borders, integrated and united.”
Ituc-Africa reiterated its unwavering support for all.“