Larry Madowo raises concern over Nigeria’s Ksh10k visa fee for Kenyans
By Ascah Mwango, March 9, 2026He is one of the most traveled men on the continent, but CNN’s Larry Madowo has finally hit a roadblock and he is not staying silent about it.
In a scathing video uploaded to his X account on Monday, March 9, 2026, the Kenyan journalist has called out the Nigerian government for what he describes as an expensive visa system that appears to punish Kenyan passport holders.
Madowo revealed that despite Kenya’s landmark decision to allow all Africans, including Nigerians, into the country visa-free, the courtesy is far from being reciprocated.
Instead, he found himself coughing up $80 (approximately Ksh10,340) for a single-entry visa, a fee he says is riddled with hidden costs.
Using popular Nigerian slang to drive his point home, a frustrated Madowo explained how a seemingly affordable $25 visa quickly balloons in price due to digital processing fees and a lack of transparency.
“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. Giant of Africa, you dey fall my hand oh,” Madowo said, addressing his massive social media following.
“Even if you apply for a multiple-entry visa, you are getting a single-entry visa. The visa itself is just $25 but you’re paying $50 because you’re applying online and another $5 to the payment provider. Abeg, Naija no dey carry last, but you’re carrying last in term of visa openness for other Africans,” Madowo lamented.
The rant has sparked a heated diplomatic debate online, with many Kenyans questioning why the government in Nairobi is offering ‘unconditional love’ to countries that still maintain strict barriers.
Kenya recently grabbed global headlines by removing visa requirements for all visitors, replacing them with a simpler Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
However, Madowo suggested that if the ‘Giant of Africa’ refuses to open its doors, Kenya should perhaps reconsider its hospitality.
“Why is Nigeria is still charging Kenyans ~$80 for a single entry visa even though Kenya is visa-free for all Nigerians (and all Africans)? Is it time to match their energy and reintroduce visas for them?” he captioned the video.
The ‘Visa War’ highlights the ongoing struggle for African integration.
While the African Union (AU) has long pushed for a borderless Africa, Madowo’s experience proves that for the average traveller, the reality remains a maze of paperwork and eye-watering fees.
As the video continues to gain traction, all eyes are now on whether the Nigerian High Commission will address Madowo’s complaint or if Kenya will indeed match the energy and bring back stringent visa requirements for Nigerians.