By Iyojo Ameh
Kenya has announced a visa waiver for Nigerian passport holders, allowing stays of up to 60 days with effect from July 2025, as part of efforts to deepen people-to-people relations and strengthen bilateral cooperation between both countries.
The development was disclosed at the celebration of Kenya’s 62nd Independence Anniversary held in Abuja, where Kenyan and Nigerian officials highlighted growing diplomatic, economic and cultural ties between the two African nations.
The visa-free policy is expected to boost tourism, trade, investment, cultural exchange and the movement of ideas. Nigerians were invited to visit Kenya, described as the cradle of humankind, known for its expansive savannahs, pristine coastlines, diverse cultures and globally admired hospitality.
At the event, appreciation was expressed to members of the Kenyan community living in Nigeria for their role in promoting national pride and sustaining friendly relations between both countries. Special recognition was also given to members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, business leaders, development partners, academics and friends of Kenya for their continued support and cooperation.
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Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to deepening engagement with Nigeria, stressing that both countries are jointly building a future anchored on stability, shared prosperity and a more integrated African continent driven by innovation, opportunity and mutual respect.
Guests at the event were treated to Kenyan cuisine, music, cultural performances and a Kenya–Nigeria fashion fusion showcase.
Speaking on behalf of Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, CON, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD conveyed warm greetings from the Federal Government to the Government and people of Kenya.
He explained that the minister, who was the chief host, was unavoidably absent due to official engagements.
He described Kenya’s Independence Day as a symbol of the country’s commitment to freedom, democracy, resilience and self-determination, noting that Nigeria proudly joins Kenya in celebrating the historic milestone.
Tracing the history of bilateral relations, he said Nigeria and Kenya have enjoyed strong diplomatic ties since 1964, marked by regular high-level exchanges.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan visited Kenya in 2012, 2013 and 2014, while former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta paid a reciprocal visit to Nigeria in 2015 during the inauguration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He also recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari visited Kenya in 2022 at the invitation of President Kenyatta during the 50th anniversary of the United Nations Environment Programme.
In July 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led ECOWAS Heads of State and Government to the 43rd African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Nairobi. Vice President Kashim Shettima later represented President Tinubu at the International Development Association (IDA21) Heads of State Summit held in Nairobi on April 29, 2024.
According to him, cooperation between both countries spans tourism, trade and investment, oil and gas, agriculture, livestock and fisheries, visa exemptions for diplomatic passport holders, double taxation agreements and memoranda of understanding on city twinning.
He further disclosed that Kenya’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Isaac K. Parashina, recently visited Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to advocate the revival of the Kenya–Nigeria Joint Commission for Cooperation, which has been dormant for some time.
Nigeria, he said, is working towards renewing the bilateral framework to address outstanding issues and explore new areas of collaboration, following the inaugural session of the Joint Commission held in Nairobi.
As the celebration concluded, Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with Kenya to promote regional integration, peace, security and other areas of mutual benefit.
On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Government and people of Nigeria, the Permanent Secretary congratulated Kenya on its 62nd Independence Anniversary and wished the country continued progress and prosperity.
