Visa entry fees into Kenya have been halved.

The Kenyan Government has halved the cost of its visa entry fees in an effort to attract more tourists to the country.

For a year, from 1 April 2009 until the end of 2010, the cost of visa entry into the country will be halved – and children under the age of 16 will enter free of charge. This means that adults will now have to pay US$25 (about £18) instead of $50.

Tourism is Kenya’s main foreign exchange earner, however last year [2008] it fell by 54% compared with 2007, when two million tourists visited the country.

Kenya’s Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Najib Balala, said: “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.”

The Hon. Najib Balala has recently been voted 2009 African Tourism Minister of the Year out of seven who were shortlisted for the African Tourism Investors Summit and Award gala in February 2009.

The Minister was recognised for his efforts in raising Kenya’s profile as a global leader in sustainable tourism.