Kenya has launched the Digital Nomad Work Permit and Transit and Long Connection Travelers Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
These permits will see digital nomad professionals and long connection travelers being able explore Kenya’s unique tourism offerings with convenience.
The initiatives are aimed at allowing visitors to Kenya to enjoy their stay – whether on long haul travel or working remotely – while sampling the country’s natural beauty and high-quality lifestyle without any difficulty.
President William Ruto had this to say, “The programs are aimed at complementing the visa-free policy by the government with the Digital Nomad Work Permit targeting global digital professionals looking to live and work in Kenya. On the other hand, the Transit and Long Connection Travelers (ETA) will enable transit visitors to immerse themselves in Magical Kenya instead of waiting at the terminals.”
President Ruto made the announcement during the official opening ceremony of the 14th edition of Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) at Nairobi’s Uhuru Gardens National Monument & Museum.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano echoed the President’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to capitalize on Kenya’s unique selling points.
“Our success in positioning Kenya as a top global destination hinge on our ability to work together as stakeholders, leveraging our diverse strengths and complementary offerings,” Miano stated.
“By aligning our efforts, we can create a compelling narrative that resonates with travelers worldwide, driving sustainable growth and economic opportunities for our communities.”
The CS invited exhibitors to take advantage of the B2B interactions at the MKTE 2024 to establish networks and seal deals that will drive growth in the sector. She commended the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) for organizing a successful expo that positions Kenya as a rising force in tourism globally.
KTB CEO June Chepkemei revealed that the MKTE 2024 would place special emphasis on promoting Kenya as a prime destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and events.
“MKTE 2024 provides the perfect platform for showcasing Kenya as a prime hub for high-value business events and conferences. This will expand tourism beyond leisure to high-spending business visitors.”
This year’s MKTE has attracted over 4,000 delegates, underlining its status as the premier tourism trade platform in East and Central Africa. In line with the MKTE’s knowledge-sharing agenda, the 2024 expo will also incorporate academia, providing a platform for scholars across 17 local universities to showcase their research and insights on moving the sector forward.
The expo, which runs until October 4, will also feature participation from various tourism boards, county governments, and 180 international buyers cut across Kenya’s source markets including Africa, Europe, Middle East, North America and Asia.