Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urges Israelis to invest in Kenya

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked his countrymen to invest in Kenya.

He said his government has both national and global interests in Kenya’s prosperity, and that it would only be prudent for the Israelis to fully utilise investment opportunities available in the country.

Mr Netanyahu said Kenya is endowed with talented people and a Government and a President who is ready for major investments.

“Come and invest in Kenya; the opportunities are great, there is an inflection point where the economy can take off. You can be part of the yeast in this cake,” he urged his countrymen.

The Prime Minister said the two governments will work together to reduce any business risks that might arise. The Israeli leader also urged the county governments to partner with the investors from his country who are willing to share their expertise and experience in economic development.

He was speaking yesterday at the Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel in Nairobi where he joined President Uhuru Kenyatta to address a Kenya-Israel Business Forum where investors from the two countries were exploring profitable partnerships.

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The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry said deals more than Sh2 billion were signed.

President Kenyatta said his government will continue to expand and improve the country’s economy for the betterment of future generations.

He called on Israeli entrepreneurs to invest in the country as they are not only guaranteed short-term gains but also long-term stable profits.

Uhuru said the country has a wealth of natural resources, and a young and dynamic population coupled with a strategic geographical location, which is an access point to a market of over 600 million people.

“We are doing our best to harness that latent potential through the regional infrastructure projects we are pursuing, the internal roads we are laying, the Standard Gauge line we are constructing, the unparalleled investments in energy we are making, and the steps we are taking to serve our people in terms of social security, health and education,” said Uhuru.

The President said his government is reforming the education sector and empowering the National Youth Service to raise a generation of young people that are lateral thinkers, problem solvers and risk-takers who strive for quality service provision.

“We are working to ensure our education evolves to meet the needs of our local market and the global market of the 21st century. Again, that’s another area where I hope we will learn from Israel,” President Kenyatta said.

He pointed out that the phenomenon of Israel’s economic success remains a global inspiration to many countries including Kenya.

“Through innovation and sheer force of will you powered your way to be a premier economy in the world, a leader in technology and a country where enterprise is just encouraged but emboldened and rewarded,” he said of Israel.