Larry Madowo has criticised Nigeria’s visa policy for Kenyan passport holders, raising fresh debate on travel reciprocity between African countries.
The journalist, who works as an international correspondent for CNN, shared his concerns in a video posted on his X account on Monday, March 9, 2026.
In the video, Madowo expressed frustration over the cost and process of obtaining a Nigerian visa despite Kenya allowing Nigerians to enter the country without a visa.
According to him, Kenyan travellers are still required to pay about $80 (approximately KSh10,340) for a single-entry visa to visit Nigeria.
“Nigerians don’t need a visa to come to Kenya, but as a Kenyan passport holder, I’m still paying $80 for a single entry visa. Giant of Africa, you dey fall my hand oh,” he said in the video.
Madowo explained that while the official visa fee is listed at around $25, additional charges significantly increase the final amount paid by applicants.
“Even if you apply for a multiple-entry visa, you are getting a single-entry visa. The visa itself is just $25 but you’re paying $50 because you’re applying online and another $5 to the payment provider,” he added.
His remarks come months after Kenya introduced a policy allowing travellers from across Africa, including those from Nigeria, to enter the country without a visa.
The move was part of a broader effort by the Kenyan government to ease travel restrictions and promote tourism, business and regional integration.
However, Madowo questioned why similar measures have not been adopted by Nigeria for Kenyan travellers.
In a caption accompanying the video, he suggested that Kenya could reconsider its approach if other countries do not reciprocate.
“Why is Nigeria still charging Kenyans about $80 for a single-entry visa even though Kenya is visa-free for all Nigerians and other Africans? Is it time to match their energy and reintroduce visas for them?” he posed.
The comments quickly sparked debate online, with many Kenyans weighing in on whether the government should review its open-door travel policy for countries that still impose strict visa requirements on Kenyan citizens.
The discussion has also renewed calls for African nations to ease travel restrictions and promote freer movement across the continent.
