In a move that has stirred dismay and frustration in Mogadishu, Kenya’s recent announcement of a visa-free travel policy for all African nations—except Somalia and Libya—has cast a shadow over the historically intertwined relationship between the two East African neighbors.
The decision, justified by Nairobi on security grounds, has reignited discussions about regional integration, reciprocity, and the complex dynamics of Kenya-Somalia relations. For Somalia, a newly ratified member of the East African Community (EAC), this exclusion feels like a diplomatic slight, especially given the deep economic, social, and security ties that bind the two nations.
A Selective Visa-Free Policy
In January 2025, Kenya rolled back its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, which had been introduced in 2024 as a digital visa requirement for non-EAC African nationals. The revised policy now grants visa-free access to citizens of all African countries, except Somalia and Libya, citing “security concerns.” This decision followed a year of criticism, as the ETA system led to Kenya dropping 17 places to 46th out of 54 African nations in the 2024 Africa Visa Openness Index, undermining its reputation as a regional hub for business and travel.
The exclusion of Somalia, a fellow EAC member, and Libya has sparked significant backlash, particularly in Mogadishu. Social media posts on X reflect Somali sentiment, with users calling the decision “hypocrisy” and “humiliation,” pointing to Somalia’s substantial economic contributions to Kenya and the shared history of cooperation. For many Somalis, the policy feels like a betrayal, given the close ties forged through trade, security collaboration, and cultural exchange.
Kenya has played an indelible pivotal role in Somalia’s recovery. Since the 1991 collapse of Somalia’s central government, Kenya has hosted nearly one million Somali refugees, primarily in Dadaab and Kakuma camps. Kenya facilitated the 2004 Mbagathi peace talks, which led to the formation of Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government, and has contributed troops to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) since Operation Linda Nchi in 2011, aimed at countering Al-Shabaab. These efforts, however, have come at a cost, with Kenya suffering deadly Al-Shabaab attacks, including the 2013 Westgate Mall siege, the 2015 Garissa University attack, and the 2019 DusitD2 attack, which killed 21 people.
Economic Ties: A Symbiotic Relationship
The economic relationship between Kenya and Somalia is robust, with Somalia serving as a vital market for Kenyan goods and services. Kenya exports agricultural products such as tea, coffee, and fruits, which are staples in Somali supermarkets. The trade in miraa (khat), a mild stimulant, is particularly significant, generating an estimated KSh 1.5 billion (approximately $11.5 million USD) annually for Kenya’s eastern farmers and contributing substantially to tax revenue.
Somalia’s hospitality sector employs thousands of Kenyans, while Somali students and patients flock to Kenyan universities and hospitals, boosting Kenya’s education and healthcare sectors. Daily flights between Mogadishu and Nairobi, including Somali-owned airlines, transport hundreds of passengers, with Somali travelers and businesses contributing significantly to Kenya’s tourism and hospitality industries. Major global humanitarian and development events focused on Somalia are often hosted in Nairobi, further cementing its role as a regional hub.
Conversely, Somalia’s visa policy is notably more lenient. Kenyan passport holders pay a modest $60 for a visa on arrival at Somali airports, such as Aden Abdulle International Airport in Mogadishu, valid for 30 days. In contrast, Somali citizens face a Kenyan visa fee of approximately $500, a process that lacks an online portal and is often described as cumbersome. This disparity has fueled accusations of unfair treatment, with Somali experts arguing that Kenya’s policies fail to reflect the reciprocity expected of EAC partners.
Security Concerns: The Core of Kenya’s Rationale
Kenya’s decision to exclude Somalia and Libya from its visa-free policy hinges on security concerns, particularly the threat posed by Al-Shabaab, a Somalia-based terrorist group linked to Al-Qaeda. The group has conducted numerous cross-border attacks, including a March 2025 assault on a police camp in Garissa County, killing six Kenyan officers and other abductions. While these concerns are valid, critics argue that Kenya’s blanket exclusion of Somali citizens fails to account for the contributions of Somali investors, students, and professionals in Kenya. Critics argue that Somalis are the largest investors in Kenya yet face discriminatory treatment despite their economic and cultural contributions.
Somalia’s own visa policy, which allows visas on arrival for most nationalities, including Kenyans, contrasts sharply with Kenya’s restrictive approach, raising questions about reciprocity and regional integration.
Bilateral Cooperation: Progress and Setbacks
Since 2017, Kenya and Somalia have held multiple high-level talks to enhance cooperation. These efforts include joint security operations against Al-Shabaab, trade agreements, and participation in international summits like the London and Istanbul conferences on Somalia. Kenya’s contributions to AMISOM, now the AUSSOM, have been critical in stabilizing Somalia, despite occasional tensions over troop withdrawals and funding.
The EAC’s ratification of Somalia’s membership in 2024 was seen as a milestone, promising greater economic integration and free movement of people and goods. However, Kenya’s visa policy decision undermines this spirit, as noted by Somali commentators who argue that it treats Somalia as an “outsider” despite its EAC status.
Kenya benefits significantly from Somali trade and investment. The exclusion risks alienating Somali investors, who are among the largest in Kenya’s real estate and retail sectors.
The Path Forward: Balancing Security and Integration
Kenya’s decision to exclude Somalia from its visa-free policy reflects a delicate balancing act between security imperatives and regional integration goals. The Africa Visa Openness Index emphasizes that free movement is essential for economic ties, with African travelers driving intra-continental tourism and investment. Kenya’s initial ETA policy was criticized as a “digital barrier,” and while the reversal for most African nations is a step forward, the exclusion of Somalia has drawn scrutiny for its lack of consultation with regional partners.
For Somalia, the decision is a setback but also an opportunity to strengthen its diplomatic leverage. Somali leaders could push for reciprocal visa policies or escalate the issue within EAC frameworks, advocating for a coordinated approach to visa openness.
Kenya, meanwhile, must weigh the economic costs of alienating a key trading partner against its security concerns. A potential compromise could involve streamlined visa processes for Somalis, such as an online e-visa system, to facilitate travel while maintaining security protocols.
Conclusion: A Test for Regional Unity
Kenya and Somalia share a rich tapestry of history, from colonial struggles to modern-day cooperation against terrorism and economic interdependence. The visa-free policy snub, while rooted in legitimate security concerns, risks fraying these ties and undermining the EAC’s vision of integration. For the Somali people, who have endured decades of conflict and displacement, the decision feels like a rejection of their contributions to Kenya’s economy and society. As Africa moves toward greater connectivity, Kenya’s experience offers lessons for balancing security with openness. The voices of Somali citizens, underscore the need for dialogue and reciprocity.