In the wake of a recent cyber attack that caused the collapse of the e-citizen platform, Kenya has announced that it will grant visas on arrival for all travelers until the online application system is rectified.
The e-citizen portal, a crucial platform providing over 5,000 government services, including e-visas, experienced a hacking incident, rendering most government services inaccessible.
Although officials assured the public that no data had been lost, the disruption prompted the government to adopt an alternative approach for visa processing.
A note verbale was issued to foreign missions and international organizations on Thursday, officially informing them of the interim visa procedure. The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs stated, “There is currently a challenge in the Government e-citizen platform.
Therefore, travelers will be issued visas upon arrival at all entry points in Kenya. The government also wishes to advise all airlines to onboard travelers destined to Kenya.”
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The e-visa application process, which typically involves online submissions along with relevant documentation, will now be handled at border clearance desks upon arrival. This decision could potentially lead to congestion and longer processing times at airports as each applicant is assessed individually.
The cyber attack was claimed by a group calling itself Anonymous Sudan, citing its protest against Kenya’s alleged interference in Sudan’s internal affairs.
The group also claimed responsibility for targeting mobile money transfer platforms, e-banking systems, and the electronic services of utility firm Kenya Power. While Kenya Power and some banks acknowledged system downtimes, they did not confirm any hacking-related issues.
The government, led by ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo, has assured the public that efforts are underway to address the cyber attack and reinforce risk mitigation strategies. Meanwhile, travelers visiting Kenya can expect to have their visas processed at the point of entry until the e-citizen platform is fully restored.
