Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana and Kenya are on the brink of a high level consultative meeting on the possible exemption of Botswana citizens from the Kenyan Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirements.
President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi made the announcement during a meet and greet dinner hosted in honour of Batswana citizens living and working in Kenya on Friday night.
Despite Kenya’s announcement of granting visa-free access to African visitors last year, the introduction of new ETA requirements, such as the need for Botswana travelers like Ms. Gaoletlhoo Gaitsewe to obtain an ETA each time they enter Kenya, has brought about unexpected costs.
Under new rules, travelers must get an ETA every time they enter Kenya which is valid for 90 days and costs over P400.
President Masisi made an assurance that he together with his counterpart, Dr William Ruto would engage in their official talks, possibilities of reviewing the ETA requirements before travel.
He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was on the ground and would take it up on a high level consultation and give a ‘good report’.
Dr Masisi told Batswana living in Kenya that meeting them away from home was always the best part of his travel schedule and that It was a privilege and priceless for congregating as Batswana to meet a Head of state. He introduced Mr Mathew Njenga and his wife, Ms Cathrine Wambugu of the Wambugu Apple Empire in Kenya and said the couple was an inspiring entrepreneurship story that Batswana should emulate.
Theirs he said was a beautiful African story and a true identity of a family brand.
President Masisi highlighted some promises made and delivered to Batswana and some which were not done to the levels expected.
He said he was impressed by the digitisation drive and some projects such as the water evacuation projects which was the biggest treatment plant project in Southern Africa.
President Masisi said government was busy implementing its transformational strategy and urged Batswana to embrace the Mind Set Change philosophy.
He said it was good that some of them were in Kenya because Botswana was a good friend of Kenya.
“President Ruto is a good friend and we talk deep and meaningful on your behalf. We put timelines on what we discuss because we are in a hurry. We want to deliver on a programme that is a win-win between Kenya and Botswana,” he said.
For his part, Botswana High Commissioner to Kenya, Mr Andrew Sesinyi said Batswana living in Kenya were a special community.
“You are in your individuality in whatever you do. You are ambassador in your own right, represent yourselves as best as you can,” he added.
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