This archive report was first published on 11 January 2020.
As we begin a new decade, the value of a Kenyan passport has taken a hit, with the country's ranking in visa-free travel declining over the past 10 years. According to the Henley Passport Index, Kenya now ranks 72 globally, down from 64 in 2010.
Published on January 11, 2020, the index reveals that African countries have seen a decline in the power of their passports due to political instability and conflict. Despite this, Kenya still commands a relatively high score in comparison to its East Africa region neighbors, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 71 destinations globally.
Research by Henley and Partners has shown a positive connection between visa freedom and economic freedom, government integrity, and personal or political freedom. Managing Partner Amanda Smit attributed the decline in ranking to African countries remaining static while other countries make mutually beneficial visa waiver arrangements.
"The rankings seem to have dropped, but it's not that African countries have lost access - it's that they are remaining static, while other countries are in a position to make mutually beneficial arrangements which add value to their global mobility," Smit said.
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