Kenyan CNN Journalist Larry Madowo Laments Nigeria's Single Entry Visa Cost: "Giant of Africa."
- Kenyan journalist Larry Madowo complained online about paying a fee for a Nigerian visa despite Nigerians entering Kenya visa-free
- He explained that although the visa costs less, the additional online application and payment fees significantly increased the total cost
- His comments sparked debate online, with many Africans calling for fairer visa policies and easier travel across the continent
A Kenyan journalist working with CNN, Larry Madowo, has sparked conversations online after expressing frustration over the cost of obtaining a Nigerian visa.
Madowo shared his concerns in a post on Instagram, where he highlighted what he described as an imbalance in travel policies between Nigeria and his country, Kenya.
Source: Instagram
According to him, Nigerian citizens can enter Kenya without a visa, while Kenyan passport holders are required to pay a fee to visit Nigeria.
Kenyan journalist speaks about Nigeria's visa application
The journalist explained that he had to pay about $80 to obtain a Nigerian single-entry visa despite the fact that the official visa itself costs significantly less.
“Nigerians don't need a visa to come to Kenya, but as a Kenyan passport holder, I'm still paying $80 for a single-entry visa,” he wrote.
Madowo further broke down the cost, stating that the visa itself costs about $25, but applicants must also pay an additional $50 application fee and $5 to the payment provider when applying online.
He also claimed that even when applicants request a multiple-entry visa, they sometimes end up receiving a single-entry visa instead.
Source: Instagram
In his words:
"'Giant of Africa,' it dey fall my hand o. Even if you apply for a multiple-entry visa, you're getting a single-entry visa. The visa itself is just $25, but you're paying $50 for applying online and another $5 for the payment provider."
In a humorous but critical tone, the journalist added:
“Giant of Africa. Nigeria no dey carry last, but you're carrying last in terms of visa openness for other Africans.”
Madowo also joked that many Kenyans like himself simply want to visit Nigeria to experience its culture and cuisine, mentioning popular Nigerian foods like eba and amala.
He said:
"We just want come chop eba and amala soup, and promote for you. Is it too much to ask?"
Watch the Instagram video below:
Reactions to Kenyan journalist's visa application ordeal
Some of the comments are below.
litiapendo wrote:
"I concur with you Larry. I hope they'll do something about that."
elayneokaya stated:
"I paid $150 for a single entry visa. There should be reciprocity. Countries that do not let us in visa-free should also get no visa free access. The fees should also match."
stephbusari commented:
"They should give you free visa on the basis of your pidgin alone ooo Larry."
arnoldjuju said:
"Again, it makes absolutely no sense that travelling within Africa as an African is such a nuisance."
In a related story, a Nigerian travel expert warned student visa applicants against common mistakes that could raise red flags for immigration officials.
Man shares encounter with 'fake' travel agent
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian man said his German residence permit application was rejected over an alleged fake contract.
He claimed a travel agent he had contacted provided the false document despite assuring him it was legitimate.
The said setback ruined his Germany relocation plans, prompting him to vow legal action and file an appeal.
Source: Legit.ng
