Kenyan poet and activist Willie Oeba has sparked a fresh debate over immigration reciprocity after sharing his frustrating experience travelling to Nigeria.

In a post on X, Oeba complained about the cost and bureaucratic hurdles he faced as a Kenyan travelling to Nigeria, contrasting his experience with what he described as the relatively easier access Nigerians enjoy when travelling to Kenya.

“As a Kenyan you have to pay Sh23,000 ($180 )to get into Nigeria,” Oeba wrote, adding that travellers must also apply for a visa that can be denied by the Nigerian Embassy.

He further complained about Nigeria’s requirement for travellers to complete landing and exit cards, saying the process almost caused him to miss his flight out of Lagos.

“I almost missed my flight from Lagos since there wasn’t WIFI to fill exit card at the airport & KQ had started boarding,” he said.

According to Nigeria Immigration Service, landing and exit cards are mandatory for passengers entering or departing the country. The service says the system is part of its efforts to strengthen immigration control and border management.

Oeba said the situation became even more frustrating when he was detained at the airport.

“They detained me,” he wrote.

The poet then questioned what he considers an imbalance in the treatment of citizens between the two countries.

“But Nigerians walk into & out of Kenya however. VISA FREE,” he said, concluding: “Not fair.”

As a Kenyan you have to pay $180 to get into Nigeria

Plus apply for a VISA that can be denied by the Nigerian Embassy

You have to fill a landing card & exit card to enter or leave Nigeria respectively

I almost missed my flight from Lagos since there wasn’t WIFI to fill…

— WILLIE OEBA (@WillieOeba) September 7, 2026

Oeba’s remarks come at a sensitive moment in Kenya, where the presence and economic activities of foreign nationals have become the subject of intense public debate.

The discussion has been particularly heightened by concerns surrounding foreign traders and immigrants in Nairobi, with questions emerging over whether Kenya’s relatively open approach to regional movement is being matched by other African countries.

Kenya’s immigration authorities require travellers to comply with entry procedures, including presenting valid travel documents and meeting applicable entry requirements.