Wednesday, January
14, 2026 - Kenya’s passport has regained ground on the international stage,
rising five places in the latest Henley Passport Index to rank 68th globally.
This marks a notable recovery after months of decline, when
the document slipped to 73rd in October 2025, allowing holders
access to only 70 destinations visa-free or with visa on arrival.
According to the 2026 ranking, Kenyan passport holders can
now travel to 69 destinations without securing a visa in advance.
The Henley Passport Index, which relies on exclusive data
from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), compares 199 passports
across 227 destinations and is updated monthly to reflect shifts in visa
policies and diplomatic relations.
Kenya’s passport has experienced a turbulent journey over
the past two decades, peaking in the mid-50s globally in the early 2000s before
plunging to a historic low of 77th in 2021.
Analysts attribute the latest rebound to global realignments
in mobility, where minor changes in other countries’ visa regimes reshuffled
rankings, boosting Kenya’s position.
Regionally, Kenya now ranks among Africa’s top 10 strongest
passports, trailing Seychelles, Mauritius and South Africa but ahead of several
East African peers.
The country also scored a perfect 100% on the Henley
Openness Index, welcoming visitors from all nations without prior visa
requirements.
The Government has introduced reforms to strengthen Kenya’s
global mobility, including scrapping the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
for most African visitors and modernizing immigration systems to support
regional integration.
President William Ruto’s administration abolished visa
requirements for Kenya in recognition of Turkana County’s status as the cradle
of mankind, though restrictions remain for travelers from Libya and Somalia.
Despite this openness, Kenyan travelers still face hurdles,
particularly in Europe’s Schengen area, where pre-arrival visas are mandatory.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
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