This archive report was first published on 26 July 2021.
On July 26, 2021, Kenya made a significant move in its relations with South Sudan by waiving visa and work permit requirements for South Sudanese travelers with valid passports.
The decision, based on the principle of reciprocity, was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement.
According to the statement, the waiver of the visa requirement for South Sudanese citizens is effective immediately, and an agreement to this effect will be signed in the near future.
"The Republic of Kenya has waived the requirement of obtaining a visa to enter Kenya for the citizens of the Republic of South Sudan who hold a valid Passport issued by the Government of the Republic of South Sudan. Premised on the principle of reciprocity, the Republic of South Sudan has also waived visa requirements for Kenyans wishing to visit their country," the statement read.
The move is seen as a demonstration of the strong partnership and cooperation between the two countries, with the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Macharia Kamau, noting that it will enhance cultural ties and strengthen the countries' economy by encouraging free movement of persons and labor.
As per Article 10 of the EAC Common Market Protocol, workers from the two partner states will be allowed to accept employment within the territory of each other.
