Visa issue threatens Kenya trade

Trade relations between South Africa and the strongest economy in East Africa could suffer as a result of the South African government’s decision to tighten up visa requirements for Kenyans wanting to visit South Africa for business or leisure. Introduced in June, the new regulations require that Kenyans applying for a South African visa pay $60 (about R726) as processing fees and $150 (R2 542) for the visa. Processing takes seven or more working days. The move was described as a trade violation by the Kenyan cabinet secretary of foreign affairs and international trade, Amina Mohammed. In response the Kenyan government now requires visas for all South African visitors. Travellers are required to appear in person at the Kenyan High Commission in Cape Town for biometrics. This places South Africans wanting to do business with Kenya at a disadvantage.