Nairobi seeks to resolve Kenyans’ visa difficulties in Nigeria
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Kenyans
Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Ministry wants to negotiate with Nigeria to resolve difficulties faced by Kenyans applying for visas. Nairobi denounces a lengthy and demanding process, while Nigerian nationals can enter Kenya without a visa, according to Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei, quoted by Kenyans.
The Kenyan government will seek a diplomatic solution to the difficulties its citizens face in obtaining a Nigerian visa, Korir Sing’Oei, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, said on Tuesday 27 October. He described the treatment of Kenyan applicants as unacceptable and said Nairobi was addressing the issue through diplomatic and political channels.
Complaints include the lengthy application process and the requirement to provide the contact details or a copy of the passport of the person inviting the applicant. Travellers also report being refused visas despite submitting the documents and paying the fees, sometimes without a refund, Kenyans reports.
In March, CNN journalist Larry Madowo said he had paid 10,332 Kenyan shillings, or $80, for a single-entry Nigerian visa. He objected in particular to the additional online processing fees and to receiving a single-entry visa after applying for a multiple-entry one.
Since July 2025, Kenya has allowed nationals of almost all African countries, including Nigeria, to enter without a traditional visa. Nigerians can therefore travel to Kenya without a visa, while Kenyans must apply for one to enter Nigeria.
