Nairobi: Tourists from around the world visiting Kenya will no longer need a visa to enter the country starting January, President William Ruto said on Tuesday.

Ruto stated that his government has created a digital platform to guarantee that every tourist would obtain an electronic travel authorization ahead of time and not have to apply for a visa, Reuters reported.

At an event marking the country's 60 years of independence from Britain on Tuesday, Ruto said, "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."

"Kenya has a simple message to humanity: Welcome home!" he added.

At a conference in the Republic of Congo in October, Ruto had declared that by the end of 2023, visitors from African nations would no longer need a visa to enter Kenya, the report said.

The tourism sector is a major contributor to Kenya's GDP, offering both inland wildlife safaris and beach vacations along the country's Indian Ocean coastline.