Kenyan lawmakers have asked France to consider giving Kenyans longer visa periods, saying it would help strengthen trade, investment and cooperation between the two countries.
The request was made during a meeting at Parliament Buildings between members of the National Assembly’s Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee and visiting lawmakers from the French National Assembly.
The Kenyan team was led by committee 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 recently concluded Africa Summit in Nairobi.
Addressing the lawmakers in the meeting, Bashir stated that the newly signed Defence Cooperation Agreement between Kenya and France would result in increased movement between the two countries, especially by government representatives, investors, and businesses.
“You need to ensure that our visas do not expire after one month because the Defence Cooperation Agreement that we have signed recently creates room for more interactions between Kenya and France,” he stated.
Currently, a short-term visa allows entry into the Schengen region for up to 90 days. Long-term visas may vary from three months to one year.
The lawmakers took advantage of the meeting to lobby the French for greater investment in Kenya particularly ventures that will provide employment opportunities for the youth.
Kiambu Woman Representative Anne Muratha urged French investors to expand their presence in Kenya, saying many young people are still struggling to find jobs.
“With the signing of the agreement, we are building a stronger relationship. We have many hardworking young people who need opportunities,” she said.
The talks also revolved around the trade and integration within the East African Community and involved an effort by the French delegation to learn about the developments that were being witnessed among the member countries.
The talks were held days after William Ruto and Emmanuel Macron had overseen the signing of various accords in Nairobi during the Africa Forward Summit.
Some of the areas involved under the accords included transport, renewable energy, digital connectivity, education, and infrastructural development.
