Kenya’s passport has dropped in strength after the latest Henley Passport Index ranked it 70th globally, granting holders access to 70 destinations without a prior visa. This marks a decline from last year’s access to 76 destinations when Kenya stood at position 67.
Despite the fall, Kenya still holds the strongest passport in East Africa, ranking alongside The Gambia and neighbouring Tanzania. Uganda follows in 72nd position with access to 67 destinations, while Rwanda is placed 75th with visa-free travel to 63 countries.
The latest results reverse gains made in 2024 when Kenya climbed six positions. The slip comes even after reforms by Nairobi, including the January 2024 decision to replace visas for most visitors with an Electronic Travel Authorisation system.
At the time, President William Ruto said the change was meant to open Kenya further for business, tourism and regional unity.
“We are having a conversation as Kenyans because it is unfair to ask anybody coming home for visas. In a few months, we are seriously considering abolishing any visa requirement for travelling to Kenya,” Ruto said ahead of the visa policy shift in 2023.
Although the reforms boosted arrivals and investments, Kenyans continue to face hurdles abroad due to limited reciprocal agreements with other countries.
Globally, Singapore and South Korea lead the 2025 index with visa-free access to 192 destinations each.
In Africa, Kenya and Tanzania remain in the lower categories, while Seychelles and Mauritius dominate the continent’s rankings.
According to the Henley Passport Power Index 2025, Tanzania scored 5.39 per cent in global GDP coverage, just ahead of Kenya’s 5.05 per cent. Rwanda scored 4.49 per cent, while Mozambique stood at 4.86 per cent.
“Passports are not just travel documents; they are gateways to economic opportunity. Improving visa-free access for Tanzanians could boost business, education, and investment flows. Right now, our region is punching below its weight,” a political analyst observed.
Seychelles and Mauritius remain Africa’s leaders, offering access to more than 55 per cent of global GDP despite their small size. South Africa also ranks high, covering 15.49 per cent of global GDP through its visa-free access.
North African nations, including Tunisia at 14.02 per cent and Morocco at 10.3 per cent, also outperform their East African peers.
The Henley report points to a widening gulf between Africa and global leaders such as Singapore, Japan and European Union states, whose citizens enjoy nearly unrestricted travel.
For East Africa, the challenge remains securing stronger partnerships to expand opportunities in trade, education and investment abroad.
