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He said this was part of “efforts to support the open skies policy and the growth of tourism” and “advance regional integration and facilitate travel to the continent”.
Despite the introduction of the ETA, Kenya fared worse in the latest rankings of how open it is to visitors, dropping 17 places to 46 out of 54 countries in the 2024 Africa Visa Openness Index.
Some African countries have tried to ease travel requirements for visitors from other parts of the continent in recent years, with studies showing it is often easier for citizens of Western countries to visit.
Earlier this year, Ghana announced that all African passport holders can now visit without the need for a visa. African visitors to Rwanda also do not need a visa to enter the country.
Moves to ease travel within the continent are also being pushed by the African Union (AU).
Under the updated system, citizens of most African countries will be allowed to enter Kenya and remain ETA-free for up to two months.
Members of the East African Community, which includes Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi, can stay for up to six months in line with the bloc’s policies.
Kenya also said it would introduce an enhanced process “allowing travelers to receive immediate approval” with a maximum processing time of 72 hours.
It is not clear when this will be used. Several ministries have been tasked with proposing guidelines within the week to improve the “traveller experience at all Kenyan airports”, according to a cabinet statement.
Before the introduction of ETA, visitors from more than 40 countries including some from Africa, could arrive in Kenya, get a stamp in their passport and enter without paying anything.
All travelers must now apply for and pay for an ETA at least three days before traveling to Kenya, unless they are citizens of an exempt country.
ETA costs $30 (£24) and is valid for 90 days.
The policy has been criticized with some saying it could make it more difficult for potential visitors to come to the country.
Kenya has indicated that there is a security element to the introduction of the new system, with a government spokesman telling the BBC last year that it was necessary for tourists.
The country has been targeted by al-Shabab jihadist militants from neighboring Somalia in several high-profile attacks.
On Tuesday, the government said it was also introducing a system that would improve “pre-screening, strengthen security, and streamline passenger processing at entry points”.
