The presidents of South Africa and Kenya said Wednesday they have resolved a long-standing visa dispute and Kenyans will be able to visit South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days in a calendar year.
South Africans already get free #visas on arrival in Kenya, while Kenyans were charged and required to provide proof of sufficient funds and return flight tickets.
The new agreement is set to take effect on Jan. 1.
South African President CyrilRamaphosa was in Kenya on his first official trip to the country.
In addition, Kenya and South Africa have moved to do away with Non-Tariff Barriers that limit the trade potential between the two countries.
To grow trade between the two countries, President William Ruto and his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa have directed trade ministers to develop a sustainable mechanism of strengthening trade and investment.
The officials have further been asked to ensure the issue of the balance of trade between the two countries is addressed.
A Non-Tariff Barrier is a way to restrict trade using trade barriers in a form other than a tariff.
On the issue of restrictions on meat imports, the two leaders said the matter is being discussed with the view of lifting them.
They agreed that Kenya and South Africa will continue to consult and support each other on various matters of regional, continental and international importance.
Ramaphosa is on a two-day State visit to Kenya at the invitation of Ruto.
The visit seeks to review the current state of bilateral relations and evaluate the progress made in the implementation of agreed areas of cooperation whilst exploring areas of mutual interest.
Deliberations centred on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The two leaders emphasised on the importance of strong and strategic bilateral relations between the two countries in pursuit of sustainable development, economic prosperity, peace and security.
On trade and investment, the two directed the relevant officials of the two countries to develop a sustainable mechanism to identify, monitor and resolve the Non-Tariff Barriers that limit business between Kenya and South Africa.
