Nairobi, Jan. 9 -- Kenya is spending Sh720 million annually to support a system introduced to vet international visitors from their home countries, new disclosures show, highlighting the burden inthe State's strategy to grow inbound traveller numbers.

Budget documents indicate that the government plans to spend up to Sh20 billion over 14 years to support the implementation of the electronic travel authorisation (eTA), a system that screens international visitors before they travel to Kenya. The visa-free policy was announced in 2024 and took effect at the start of 2025.

The eTA replaced visa requirements, allowing visitors to apply for entry clearance before leaving their home countries, a move aimed at easing clearance processes at air...