Digital nomad professionals and long connection travelers will now explore Kenya’s unique tourism offerings with convenience after President William Ruto announced the introduction of a Digital Nomad Work Permit and Transit and Long Connection Travelers Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) respectively.

In a historic first for the tourism industry in Kenya, the President said that the new initiatives are aimed at allowing visitors to Kenya to enjoy their stay—whether on long-haul travel or working remotely—while sampling the country’s natural beauty and high-quality lifestyle without any difficulty.

“The programs are aimed at complementing the visa-free policy by the government with the Digital Nomad Work Permit targeting global digital professionals looking to live and work in Kenya. On the other hand, the Transit and Long Connection Travelers (ETA) will enable transit visitors to immerse themselves in Magical Kenya instead of waiting at the terminals,” said President Ruto.

President Ruto made the announcement during the official opening ceremony of the 14th edition of Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) at Nairobi’s Uhuru Gardens National Monument & Museum.

In his address, the Head of State stated that the annual event is a cornerstone of a broader vision to position Kenya as a premier tourism hub, even as he outlined his administration’s efforts to create an enabling environment for the industry’s growth.

The President emphasized that tourism remains a key economic pillar for Kenya and a critical vehicle for job creation, even as the country aims to welcome over 5 million visitors annually by 2027.

“Today, over 1.6 million Kenyans are employed directly or indirectly in tourism, and as we continue to expand this sector, we expect that number to grow even further. Through our concerted efforts, we will ensure that tourism remains a powerful driver of economic empowerment, community development, and national pride,” he stated.

The President lauded the MKTE for bringing together diverse tourism stakeholders, from hoteliers to policymakers, under one roof to network, share ideas, and foster partnerships.

Ruto highlighted infrastructure upgrades focused on key tourist circuits, including new roads connecting the coast region, Maasai Mara, and other attractions. He also noted the modernization of airports to boost capacity for international flights. Hospitality development through partnerships with private investors was also cited as key to meeting rising demand.

He spoke passionately about positioning cultural tourism, from experiencing vibrant Maasai culture to Swahili civilization and coastal architecture.

“By showcasing our rich cultural heritage, we emphasize cultural tourism’s role in economic growth, heritage preservation, and global ties,” Ruto stated.

Likewise, the Head of State further marketed Kenya as the home of human origin as part of highlights from his personal Kenya Bucket List, where he urged visitors to sample the various facets that make up the country’s Magical tourism offerings.

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano echoed the President’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to capitalize on Kenya’s unique selling points.

“Our success in positioning Kenya as a top global destination hinges on our ability to work together as stakeholders, leveraging our diverse strengths and complementary offerings,” Miano stated.

“By aligning our efforts, we can create a compelling narrative that resonates with travelers worldwide, driving sustainable growth and economic opportunities for our communities.”

The CS invited exhibitors to take advantage of the B2B interactions at the MKTE 2024 to establish networks and seal deals that will drive growth in the sector. She commended the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) for organizing a successful expo that positions Kenya as a rising force in tourism globally.

On her part, KTB CEO June Chepkemei revealed that the MKTE 2024 would place special emphasis on promoting Kenya as a prime destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE).

“MKTE 2024 provides the perfect platform for showcasing Kenya as a prime hub for high-value business events and conferences. This will expand tourism beyond leisure to high-spending business visitors.”

This year’s MKTE has attracted over 4,000 delegates, underlining its status as the premier tourism trade platform in East and Central Africa. In line with the MKTE’s knowledge-sharing agenda, the 2024 expo will also incorporate academia, providing a platform for scholars across 17 local universities to showcase their research and insights on moving the sector forward.

The expo, which runs until October 4, will also feature participation from various tourism boards, county governments, and 180 international buyers across Kenya’s source markets, including Africa, Europe, Middle East, North America, and Asia.