Nairobi, Jan. 1 -- Kenya's visa waiver for all foreigners has been hailed as a bold move that other countries should embrace to spur liberalisation of the African airspace, with the ripple effect of increased travel, but industry experts caution that the sector still grapples with safety targets, Fifth Freedom controls and taxes, which are even a bigger impediments to lowering of ticket prices.

"It shall no longer be necessary for any person from any corner of the globe to carry the burden of applying for a visa to come to Kenya," said President William Ruto on December 12, 2023.

The visa waiver - effective January 2024 - is consistent with President Ruto's call since he assumed Kenya's presidency in September 2022, to other African lea...