Visitors to Kenya from across the world will no longer require a visa from January, says President William Ruto, according to news reports.

Speaking in Nairobi on the occasion of 60th anniversary of Kenyan Independence from the United Kingdom, Ruto said his government had developed a digital platform to ensure all visitors would receive an electronic travel authorisation in advance, instead of needing to apply for a visa.

William Ruto

‘‘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,’’ he said in his speech in the Kenyan capital. Ruto has long advocated for visa-free travel within the African continent.

Earlier this year, at a conference in the Republic of Congo in October he had said people from African countries would not require a visa to visit Kenya by the end of 2023.

The tourism industry plays a vital role in Kenya’s economy, offering beach holidays along its Indian Ocean coastline and wildlife safaris inland. ‘‘Kenya has a simple message to humanity: Welcome Home!’’ he said.