200 American journalists follow President Barack Obama

Close to 200 American journalists will accompany US President Barack Obama on his visit to Kenya this Friday.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Phylis Kandie said the arrival of the group will be a plus for Kenya's tourism.

"We are happy for this opportunity and ready for the delegates and in particular those who will make Kenya glow outside. Those who will find time to go out and sample our tourist attractions and Kenyan culture and hospitality are encouraged," said Ms Kandie, who had just returned from the US.

The first group of 130 journalists is expected to land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Friday morning at about 6 am. The other group of 50 will be in the Air Force One jet that will land more than 10 hours later.

Sources said the journalists will be subdivided into groups and accompany the Obamas. One group will be on trail of the president while the other will be with the First Lady Michelle and their daughters Malia and Sasha.

Sources also said the Obamas are also expected to visit one of the national parks, but did not reveal which one.

The journalists will accompany other American delegates to the site of the main meeting on Saturday at the UN headquarters in Gigiri.

Officials said apart from the American journalists, there will be others from Africa and other continents.

Only those accredited will be allowed to the places where the delegates are to visit.

Meanwhile, President Uhuru Kenyatta is today expected to address the country on Obama's visit. Officials said President Kenyatta will enumerate the benefits Kenya is set to reap from the visit from Friday evening to Sunday.

The President will ask Kenyans to welcome Obama and the delegates expected at the event to be held in Nairobi.