Kenya and Benin have signed a landmark visa-free agreement allowing seamless movement between the two countries.
The agreement was signed by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Benin Minister of Foreign Affairs Oleshegun Adjadi Bakar on Wednesday, September 24, in New York, USA.
In a statement, Mudavadi termed the agreement as a powerful step towards deepening African integration and strengthening the bonds between Kenya and Benin.
“A new chapter in Africa’s story of unity has begun as I signed a landmark visa-free agreement with H.E. Oleshegun Adjadi Bakar, Benin Minister of Foreign Affairs, unlocking seamless movement for our people,” said Mudavadi.
He continued, “What started two years ago as an ambition to boost tourism and trade across African nations has now become a reality.”
In the agreement, citizens of Kenya and Benin will be able to travel visa-free for up to 180 days.
According to the Prime CS, the visa-free agreement will bolster tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between the two nations.
“Under this framework, citizens of Kenya and Benin will now be able to visit each other’s countries visa-free for up to 180 days, fostering people-to-people connections, cultural exchange, and economic opportunity,” the Prime CS stated.
However, Mudavadi noted that diplomats and their families will continue to follow the existing visa procedures in line with respective national laws.
At the same time, Mudavadi held a bilateral meeting with Yvan Gil Pinto, Minister of People’s Power for Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
The meeting centered on strengthening ties between Kenya and Venezuela and proposed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to expand cooperation.
“Our discussions focused on strengthening the friendship between our countries and finalizing proposed MoUs that will soon be signed to expand cooperation in key sectors,” Mudavadi said.
The Prime CS is among the top government officials who accompanied President William Ruto to the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
