October 8, 2015 Kenya Tourism Board

Kenya’s President Welcomes GES delegates & US President Obama

Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta has outlined the importance of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) to Kenya and Africa as a whole as he welcomed the delegates.

Addressing the public at a press conference held at State House His Excellency President Uhuru showcased the opportunities and possibilities that Kenya has to offer as the country prepares to welcome thousands of delegates as well as the President of the United States of America Barrack Obama who will attend the Summit.

“…it is my pleasure to co-host, with President Obama of the United States of America, the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in Nairobi this weekend. It (the Summit) connects men and women of imagination and enterprise to their peers around the world. It exposes us all to new opportunities, while teaching us new answers to problems of wide concern,” said President Kenyatta.

Inaugurated in the USA five years ago GES has grown into a global gathering bringing together entrepreneurs, innovators, Government leaders and the youth among others.

President Obama is expected to arrive in Kenya on Friday 24th for the Summit that is expected to attract about 1,400 participants, with a large delegation accompanying President Obama. This is the first time the Summit is being held in sub-Saharan Africa. The choice of Kenya is seen as an acknowledgement of the country’s progress and potential in the continent.

“Kenya’s reputation for innovation and enterprise is fully deserved. It is our habit to take risks in the hope of bettering ourselves, and our country. Our innovators and entrepreneurs have certainly earned the honour of the summit. We will honour them in our turn if we welcome our guests with our customary hospitality, and if we represent our nation and our continent as well as we are able,” said President Kenyatta.

The impact of the Global Enterprennuershio summit on the tourism sector cannot be underestimated, this comes as a major endorsement of Kenya not just as a safe destination but as a maturing economy that many are eager to invest in. “The global exposure that Kenya will receive worldwide through this event will definitely see the destination brand equity rise. The visit lays ground for aggressive marketing strategies that the Kenya Tourism Board is planning for execution and we must not loose the opportunity to market Kenya, said Kenya Tourism Board Managing Director, Muriithi Ndegwa.

This comes after lifting of travel advisories thus giving impetus for aggressive marketing in Kenya’s two key traditional markets America and the UK.

Kenya has in the recent months attracted thousands of delegates from across the world as she positions herself as a major investment hub in the region. Other international meetings coming up this year include the World PR Conference in Emerging Economies, ATA, The Magical Kenya Travel EXPO and the Ministerial Conference of the World Trade organisation expected to attract thousands of delegates among others.