Uhuru discusses Obama visit, security, investment with US Secretary of State John Kerry

NAIROBI, KENYA: President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday held a meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to discuss investment, security and President Barack Obama’s upcoming visit to Kenya.

First on the agenda during the meeting at State House, Nairobi, was the ease of doing business in Kenya and the opportunities for American firms.

Secretary Kerry sought to know how business friendly the Kenyan economy is and areas where US companies can invest in.

President Kenyatta said Kenya was a gateway to Africa and the ninth largest economy on the continent.

He said Kenya is ranked high in terms of having the best business environment and recent international rankings have reinforced the country’s position as a favourite destination for foreign investors.

President Kenyatta said his Government wants to see more U.S. companies investing in Kenya especially in the areas of ICT and innovation, energy, infrastructure and healthcare.

The President said there are massive opportunities for investment in green energy with Kenya having the capacity to provide half of Africa’s  geothermal energy needs.

“We want to build an entrepreneurial spirit and want to bring prosperity to our people. To do this we are ready to partner with Americans to invest in our country to create more wealth and jobs,” said President Kenyatta.

The threat of terrorism and how the United States can support Kenya was discussed at length by President Kenyatta and Secretary Kerry.

The President said Kenya needs support in terms of training, equipments and surveillance. He also said that the Government needs to work more closely with the U.S. to control financing of terrorism. 

The President and Secretary Kerry also discussed the efforts to end the stalemate in South Sudan and stabilise Somalia.

Secretary Kerry appraised the President on US initiatives in ending the stalemate in South Sudan. He also spoke on efforts the US government was undertaking to support Somalia.

President Kenyatta also informed the Secretary on efforts by IGAD leaders to end the conflict in South Sudan.

Secretary Kerry felt that there was need to find a lasting peace in South Sudan and urged President Kenyatta and regional leaders to increase efforts to bring the conflict to an end.

President Kenyatta said he was coordinating with Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn together with other regional leaders to convince the warring sides to stop the war.

The upcoming visit by the U.S. President and issues that will be on the agenda for the meeting between Presidents Kenyatta and Obama were also part of the discussions.