High Court judge Justice Bahati Mwamuye has dealt a major blow to the Kenya Kwanza government after issuing conservatory orders halting the implementation of the Immigration (Amendment) Regulations 2023, which introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system that required visitors to Kenya to pay $30. ''Pending the inter parties hearing and determination of the petitioner's Motion Application, a conservatory order be and is hereby issued staying the implementation or further implementation or the further application and enforcement of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Regulations, 2023,'' the ruling read in part.
The court's intervention follows petitions challenging the legality of the amendments, with opponents citing concerns over transparency and due process.
The Immigration (Amendment) Regulations 2023 introduced the eTA system, which introduced significant changes, including stricter requirements for citizenship applications, expanded definitions of foreign nationals, and new visa-free entry protocols.
Passengers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
