Kenya reduced visa fee by 50%

Najib Balala, Kenya's minister of tourism, has announced entry visa rates are to be reduced by 50 per cent in order to encourage tourism.

In addition, the cost of a visa will be completely removed for children under 16 from April 1st 2009 until the end of 2010.

This bold move is to make Kenya even more appealing for visitors and to further attract the growing family market. The visa cost has been reduced from $50 to $25 and with no cost for children under 16, so a family of four will now only have to pay $50 for the two adults, offering a saving of $150.

"With beautiful beaches and thrilling safaris, Kenya has a lot to offer families. This scheme will help to keep costs down for all when planning a trip to our diverse country and particularly benefit those travelling with children," said Mr Balala.

Najib Balala, who has been in office since April 2008, was recently awarded the title Africa Tourism Minister of the year at the Africa Tourism Investors Summit in Maputo, Mozambique.

Chris O'Toole