Kenya and Benin have signed a historic visa waiver agreement aimed at easing cross-border movement and boosting cooperation.
The agreement was concluded in New York on September 24, with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Benin’s Foreign Minister Oleshegun Adjadi Bakar officiating the signing.
In his remarks, Mudavadi said the deal symbolizes a strong commitment to African integration and the strengthening of bilateral bonds.
Kenya, Benin Sign Historic Visa-Free Travel Agreement. Photo: Courtesy.
“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 What started two years ago as an ambition to boost tourism and trade across African nations has now become a reality,” Mudavadi noted.
Under the newly signed agreement, citizens of Kenya and Benin will be able to travel visa-free for a period of up to 180 days, marking a significant milestone in regional cooperation.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who represented Kenya at the signing ceremony in New York, emphasized that the deal will create new opportunities in tourism, trade, and cultural exchange, ultimately fostering stronger people-to-people ties between the two nations.
He clarified, however, that diplomats and their families will continue to observe the existing visa procedures in line with their respective national laws.
On the sidelines of the signing, Mudavadi also met with Venezuela’s Minister of People’s Power for Foreign Affairs, Yvan Gil Pinto.
The bilateral meeting focused on deepening Kenya–Venezuela relations, with both parties proposing the drafting of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to facilitate cooperation in sectors such as trade, education, and cultural development.
The Prime CS is currently accompanying President William Ruto and other senior officials to the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where Kenya is championing continental integration, climate action, and economic transformation on the global stage.
