For many years, there has been imbalance in South Africa and Kenya visa issuance.
South Africans traveling to Kenya for 30 days or less have over the years been exempt from the visa requirement, but that was not the case for Kenyans.
Moreover, South Africans have been getting Visas upon arrival in Nairobi, for a fee of only $50. Kenyans are forced to apply before leaving the country; a period that lasts 6 days or more. The charge is Sh4800.
Apparently, the government has been asking the South Africans to address this issue for many years without any result.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday issued a directive that South African passport holders are now required to apply for visas prior to travelling or transiting through Kenya.
A R750 (Sh6150) visa fee will be required and visas will no longer be issued on arrival in Kenya.Processing will be done at the Kenya High Commission and will take about 5 working days.
This is without a doubt a wrong business move for the country, but is probably the best medicine to an ungrateful neighbour.
This was the statement by the foreign office.
Source – nairobiwire.com
