In a bold move to elevate Kenya’s status as a top global tourism destination, President William Ruto has announced the introduction of the Digital Nomad Work Permit and the Transit and Long Connection Travelers Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The announcement was made during the official opening of the 14th edition of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE), held at the historic Uhuru Gardens National Monument & Museum in Nairobi.
These two new visa initiatives are designed to offer global digital professionals and long-haul travelers greater convenience while experiencing Kenya’s diverse tourism offerings. The Digital Nomad Work Permit will allow remote workers to live and work in Kenya, while the Transit ETA will encourage travelers with extended layovers to explore the country’s attractions instead of simply waiting at airports.
“These programs are designed to complement Kenya’s visa-free policy and position our country as a leading destination for both work and leisure,” President Ruto explained. “The Digital Nomad Work Permit is aimed at global professionals seeking to work remotely while enjoying Kenya’s beauty, and the Transit ETA will offer travelers a chance to experience Magical Kenya while in transit, rather than just waiting at terminals.”
President Ruto emphasized that these new visa programs are part of his administration’s broader vision to position Kenya as a premier tourism hub and attract over 5 million visitors annually by 2027. Currently, the tourism sector employs more than 1.6 million Kenyans directly and indirectly, and the President expressed optimism that these numbers will continue to grow.
“Tourism is a vital pillar of our economy, providing jobs, driving community development, and promoting national pride. As we expand this sector, we will ensure that tourism remains a powerful driver of economic growth and a key part of our development agenda,” Ruto stated.
As part of Kenya’s tourism development strategy, the President also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects that will further enhance the visitor experience. He pointed to key road upgrades linking popular tourist destinations such as the coast and Maasai Mara, as well as the expansion of airports to increase international flight capacity.
The President further underscored the importance of cultural tourism, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in Kenya’s rich heritage, from the vibrant traditions of the Maasai people to the Swahili civilization along the coast. “Cultural tourism is a crucial element in preserving our heritage and fostering economic growth,” Ruto said.
He also took the opportunity to share highlights from his personal Kenya bucket list, urging visitors to explore the various facets of Kenya’s magical tourism offerings.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano echoed the President’s sentiments, calling for a collaborative approach among stakeholders to maximize Kenya’s unique selling points.
“Kenya’s success as a global tourism destination relies on our ability to work together. By aligning our efforts, we can create a narrative that resonates with travelers around the world, driving sustainable growth in the sector,” Miano said.
Miano also encouraged exhibitors at the MKTE 2024 to leverage the expo’s B2B platform to forge partnerships and explore new opportunities. She praised the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) for organizing an event that continues to strengthen Kenya’s position in the global tourism industry.
Kenya Tourism Board CEO June Chepkemei revealed that the 2024 edition of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo will place special emphasis on business tourism, particularly Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE). She explained that promoting Kenya as a hub for high-value business events and conferences would help diversify the tourism sector and attract high-spending business travelers.
“MKTE 2024 provides an excellent platform to showcase Kenya’s potential as a hub for business events. This will open up new opportunities beyond leisure tourism, bringing in business travelers who contribute significantly to the economy,” Chepkemei said.
This year’s expo, which runs until October 4, has attracted more than 4,000 delegates and features participation from various tourism boards, county governments, and 180 international buyers from key source markets, including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Asia.
The launch of the Digital Nomad Work Permit and Transit ETA is expected to transform Kenya’s tourism sector, attracting remote workers and encouraging transit travelers to explore the country. With its focus on infrastructure, cultural tourism, and business events, Kenya is well on its way to becoming a premier destination for both work and play.
As the 14th edition of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo unfolds, it offers a powerful platform for stakeholders to network, share insights, and explore the endless possibilities within Kenya’s thriving tourism industry.
