Tourist visa fees too low, says Wetangula

• A Kenyan tourist visa now costs $25, half of what neighbouring countries are charging.

• Preliminary studies show there has been no increase in the number of visitors since the change in fees, the minister said.

Visa fees for tourists visiting Kenya are too low, Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetangula has said.

Mr Wetangula said that the decision to cut visa fees by 50 per cent in order to increase the number of foreign visitors was a mistake that was made by the Ministries of Tourism and Finance, without any consultation with his ministry.

“It makes Kenya look like a cheap destination when in fact we are a premium destination," said Mr Wetangula.

He pointed out that the Maasai Mara Game Reserve alone is an attraction, internationally recognised as “a wonder of the world."

A Kenyan tourist visa now costs $25, half of what neighbouring countries are charging. Tanzania, Uganda and Mozambique charge $50 for a visa, while Burundi charges $60.

Mr Wetangula was addressing a parliamentary committee on defence and foreign affairs on Thursday.

Instead of attracting more visitors by charging less, the Foreign Affairs minister said the impact is negative. 

"Not only does it make Kenya look like a budget destination, but some tour companies are continuing to charge visitors $50, keeping the additional money for themselves."

“We’re giving the money away to tour operators while our missions abroad are losing significant revenues,” he said, adding that a savings of $25 is unlikely to entice a single European or American to travel to Kenya.

Preliminary studies show there has been no increase in the number of visitors since the change in fees, the minister added.

“The thinking was people were scared after the election so let’s make it a cheap destination so they will come. Well they haven’t come,” said Mr Wetangula.

The issue of visas for Kenyans hoping to study abroad was also addressed.

The house committee also called for legal action against an envoy recalled from his duties due in UK.

"Recalling the envoy is not enough, he should be charged for his actions,” the committee said.

At the same time, the minister further denied allegations of strained relations between his ministry and the ministry of East African Community.