NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 15 – Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has welcomed Kenya’s improvement in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, where the country climbed five places to rank 68th globally, citing benefits for tourism, diplomacy and global mobility.
Miano said the improved ranking reflects growing international confidence in Kenya and supports easier movement for Kenyans, with positive implications for tourism, investment and cultural exchange.
She noted that stronger passport access complements the country’s tourism strategy, as Kenya targets five million annual visitors by 2027, adding that improved mobility makes it easier for tourists, investors and partners to access the country.
The Cabinet Secretary attributed the gains partly to Kenya’s diplomatic engagements, including the decision in mid-2025 to remove visa requirements for African countries, a move she said has strengthened regional travel and cooperation.
Miano said Kenya is pursuing additional reciprocal travel arrangements to further improve access for Kenyans while supporting international arrivals.
She also pointed to renewed activity in cruise tourism, citing recent port calls by the Azamara Journey and the return of MV Europa, which she said signal growing confidence in Kenya as a cruise destination.
Beyond tourism, Miano said improved global mobility supports conservation efforts by enabling Kenyan wildlife experts to collaborate more easily with international partners and share best practices in sustainable tourism and conservation.
