The year 2014/15 was particularly a bad year for Kenya with the incessant terror attacks and Kenya was shunned by the world, but 2016 saw the country play host to the who is who, internationally.
Here are some of the moments in the year so far.
1. Prime Minister of Japan Shinzō Abe and 34 heads of state and government
The Japanese prime minister’s Shinzo Abe visit and the Tokyo 6th International Conference on Africa Development (Ticad) being held in Nairobi are the latest goodie bag to the country. Some 34 African heads of State and govetnment also attended the conference.
During his visit, Mr Abe said his country is focusing on sharing high-quality technology and skills with African countries to help boost agricultural productivity.
2. US Secretary of State visit
The United States of America secretary of State John Kerry was in the country on Monday while on a peace mission. His return to the country was aimed at having talks with President Uhuru Kenyatta on regional security matters.
3. Indian Prime Minister visit
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kenya in July as part of a four-nation African tour. During his visit several agreements were signed among them to help in the construction of a top-notch cancer treatment centre at the Kenyatta National Hospital.
4. Israeli Prime Minister visit
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s July visit was also with its fair share of benefits to the country having battled with insecurity in 2014 and 2015.
During the visit, the two countries signed agreements to build the capacity of Kenya’s health systems and professionals in the area of emergency preparedness and resources as well as specialised medical services. Immigration was also addressed to see the abolition of certain categories of visas.
5. Ethiopian Prime Minister visit
In June, Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn visited the country reawakening the debate on the oil pipeline deal for East Africa.
Though state house Kenya reported that the two countries had signed a deal on the construction of the pipeline, Ethiopia’s minister, Tolossa Shagi said no deal had been signed and only discussions around the feasibility were held.
6. South Korean President visit
South Korean President Park Geun-hye was also in the country in June. Her visit saw the signing of a deal with for the establishment of a key science and technology centre in the country.
The Asian country will support the full establishment of the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology to be set up in Konza and modelled on the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.
7. Nigerian President’s visit
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari visited the country in January. During the meeting with President Uhuru, the two leaders promised to work together in rooting out corruption, terrorism and radicalization, which they termed as “obstacles to development”.
8. Prince William’s visit
The Duke of Cambridge, Prince William also got a taste of Magical Kenya in March. He jetted into the country for a visit to the Lewa Conservancy where interestingly his ex-girlfriend’s wedding was being held. During a meeting with President Uhuru, the Prince talked about security and wildlife conservation matters.
9. British Prime Minister was to visit
Before his resignation, British former Prime Minister David Cameroon was set to visit the country. The visit was to be in June.
10. International pop star’s visit
Madonna got a taste of Kenya as well as in July she visited projects in Kibera alongside her adopted children. The pop star documented her visit on Instagram although photos of a dilapidated slum caused trouble as many accused her of focusing on poorism.
11. Nobel laureate Malala’s visit
During her 19th birthday in July, the youngest Nobel award recipient visited Daadab refugee camp. Malala Yousafzai expressed her concerns over the closing of the camp in new plans by the country.
-nairobinews.nation.co.ke
