“Ease Visa Access!” – Kenya Urges France After Multi-Billion Trade Deals
Kenyan lawmakers have called on France to extend the validity period of visas issued to Kenyans, arguing that longer travel access would strengthen trade, defence cooperation and diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The appeal was made during a meeting between the National Assembly’s Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee and a delegation from the French National Assembly at Parliament Buildings on Tuesday, May 12.
The Kenyan delegation was led by the Committee’s Vice-Chairperson, Bashir Abdullaih, while the French delegation was headed by the Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee, who was in the country for the concluded Africa Summit.
Under the current arrangements, a French short-stay tourist visa typically allows visitors to remain in France and the wider Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
However, while long-stay visas are generally issued for periods ranging from three months to one year.
Kenya is seeking longer-validity visas for its citizens traveling to France, saying easier movement will help strengthen trade, defence, and business ties between the two nations.
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The request was made during talks between Kenyan lawmakers and a delegation from the French… pic.twitter.com/82uOS2qToi
The talks focused on ways of deepening bilateral cooperation between Nairobi and Paris, particularly following the recent signing of a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) between Kenya and France.
Lawmakers said the agreement is expected to increase engagements between officials, investors, security agencies and businesses from both countries.
It will also make easier travel arrangements increasingly important.
“You need to ensure that our visas do not expire after one month, as the Defence Cooperation Agreement that we signed recently has created an avenue for more interactions between Kenya and France,” said Bashir.
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Committee members further urged France to expand economic partnerships with Kenya through increased investments and job creation initiatives targeting young people.
Kiambu Woman Representative Anne Muratha called on French companies and investors to establish more businesses in Kenya, saying such investments would help address rising youth unemployment.
“With the signing of the DCA, we are forming a stronger relationship than we ever had,” said Muratha.
“We have a large number of hardworking youth who are unemployed, and I would want to encourage you to invest heavily here and open up job opportunities to our young people.”
The French legislators also sought to understand the progress made by East African Community member states in advancing regional integration, especially in trade and economic cooperation.
“Ease Visa Access!” – Kenya Urges France After Multi-Billion Trade Deals
