17, 556 Nigerians Received Visas To Kenya In 2013 – Envoy

Mr Carlos Maluta, the Minister-Counsellor of the Kenya High Commission in Lagos, on Wednesday said that 17, 556 Nigerians were issued visas to visit Kenya in 2013.
.
Maluta told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the number included Nigerians who visited for businesses, tourism, religious and education purposes.
.
He said the figure also included those transiting from Kenya to other countries.
.
“From available records, we are happy to announce that 17, 556 Nigerians got visas to Kenya for different purposes in 2013.
.
“This is an indication that many Nigerians actually visited Kenya last year, and many more are aspiring to visit, this year.
.
“We, therefore, strongly believe that there is a healthy relationship existing between Nigeria and Kenya,’’ Maluta said.
.
The envoy, however, said that about 70 per cent of the number got their visas at their points of entry into Kenya.
.
Maluta said that there was currently a growing level of interaction between the two countries in the areas of business, educational, religious and cultural exchanges.
.
The minister-counsellor said his country plans to partner the Nigerian Immigration Service to enhance movement between Nigeria and Kenya.
.
“The Kenya Government is exploring ways of removing obstacles to the free movement of Nigerians to Kenya.
.
“The government strongly believes that Kenya and Nigeria have a lot to share and exchange now and in the years ahead.
.
“We are, therefore, working with the Nigerian Immigration Service in facilitating both countries’ relations,’’ he said.
.
Maluta advised Nigerians to always take advantage of his country’s point of entry visa policy.
.
He assured Nigerians of speedy processing of their visas at their point of entry, if they had the necessary travel documents and return tickets.