The Kenyan government has attributed the rise in international tourist numbers to the implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which came into effect on January 1, 2024. This follows President William Ruto’s directive to establish a visa-free entry regime for foreign travellers.
The ETA system, designed to enhance pre-arrival security screening, was rolled out through a self-financing public-private partnership. The State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services contracted a consortium comprising M/S Travizory Border Security SA and Konvergence Network Solutions to pilot the initiative. The aim was to facilitate smooth entry procedures while safeguarding national security.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, appearing before the National Assembly, revealed that the service provider had received Sh1.5 billion out of the Sh6.5 billion generated by the system as of February 25, 2025. “For the standard ETA, which costs $30, the service provider was paid $8.5, while for the US multiple ETA at $160, the provider earned $15,” he explained.
Murkomen disclosed that 1,596,799 ETA applications had been processed, generating $50.5 million (approximately Sh6.5 billion), of which the service provider earned $12.2 million. He clarified that the ETA system is localised and hosted on the government’s eCitizen platform.
Responding to a question by Bumula MP Jack Wamboka on the impact of ETA on tourism and business travel, Murkomen cited data from the Kenya Tourism Board showing a 15 per cent rise in international visitors to 2.4 million in 2024. Additionally, inbound tourism earnings climbed by nearly 20 per cent to Sh452.2 billion.
“The independent and objective findings of the Kenya Tourism Board confirm ETA’s positive contribution to the sector’s growth,” said Murkomen.
The ETA system is part of the government’s broader strategy to streamline entry procedures, boost tourism, and promote Kenya as a premier travel destination. Authorities believe the improved accessibility and enhanced security protocols have played a key role in the sector’s recent gains.
