Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta addressed the public at a press conference at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) which hosted delegates including the President of the United States of America Barrack Obama. President Uhuru showcased the opportunities and possibilities that Kenya has to offer as the country welcomed thousands of delegates.
President Kenyatta said: “…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.
Inaugurated in the USA five years ago the GES has grown into a global gathering bringing together entrepreneurs, innovators, Government leaders and the youth among others. President Obama arrived in Kenya on Friday 24th for the Summit which attracted around 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.
The impact of the Global Entrepreneurship 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 brand equity of the destination rise. The visit lays ground for the engaging marketing strategies that the Kenya Tourism Board is planning to implement and we must not loose the opportunity to market Kenya”, said Kenya Tourism Board Managing Director, Muriithi Ndegwa.
The GES comes after the lifting of travel advisories thus giving impetus for strong 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 the country positions itself 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.
