Kenya recorded a notable surge in international arrivals in the first nine months of this year, driven largely by the introduction of a visa-free policy that began in January 2025.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), visitor entries through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Moi International Airport, and other borders rose by 48.1 percent, reaching 1.8 million compared to 1.27 million over the same period last year.
The increase aligns with Kenya’s efforts to expand tourism and stimulate economic growth.
The visa-free policy allows visitors from all countries to enter without a traditional visa, complemented by an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) system launched earlier this year.
While the eTA has simplified entry for many, frequent travellers from outside Africa have expressed concerns about its cost and limited validity.
Airlines have also responded to growing demand, adding more flights and routes to the country.
Kenya Airways and Etihad introduced additional services, while Air France increased passenger capacity on its Paris-Nairobi route by deploying larger aircraft. These expansions are expected to boost tourism earnings, building on last year’s record revenue of Sh352.54 billion.
Despite the optimism, tourism executives remain cautious, citing potential impacts from international trade uncertainties, including US President Donald Trump’s protectionist measures and the non-renewal of benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Last year, Kenya welcomed 2.08 million tourists, up from 1.54 million the previous year, highlighting a steady growth trajectory in visitor numbers.
The surge in arrivals underscores the growing appeal of Kenya as a tourist destination and the positive effects of policy reforms aimed at easing access for international travellers.
