CS Kandie roots for pilgrimage tourism at Italy expo

NAIROBI: East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie Thursday visited the town of Anfoin Italy, where the recently beatified Blessed Sister Irene Nyaatha Stefani was born. She presented a gift to Mayo Mabellini Gianpietro.

The CS gave him a portrait of Mt Kenya as a gift from Kenyans. Kandie said the beatification of 'Nyaatha' had presented an opportunity for Kenya to host pilgrims and noted that linkages between Nyaatha's motherland and Nyeri where she died will enhance pilgrimage tourism.

The CS said she would make a proposal to the County Government of Nyeri to consider twining - a major boost for pilgrimage tourism between Kenya and Italy. "What she did for our country was great. Take this gift as a symbol of our gratitude and eternal friendship to the town and people of Anfo" said Kandie while handing over the gift.

The beatification of Blessed Sister Stefani was done last month in Nyeri and brought together thousands of pilgrims from across the world.

The Catholic nun traveled to Kenya in 1915 where she worked as a nurse at British military hospitals during the first world war. She later settled in Nyeri, where she became known as 'Nyaatha', meaning "mother of mercy" in the Kikuyu language. She worked in the town until she died in 1930 at the age of 39.

"We shall be discussing with Nyeri County the possibility of twining the two areas as a launching pad for pilgrimage tourism not only for the two countries but for other pilgrims across the globe," said Kandie.

The CS who is in Italy for the Milan Expo was accompanied by Kenya's Ambassador to Italy Josephine Gaita, Kenya Tourism Board Managing Director Muriithi Ndegwa, Tourism Secretary Anne Kinyua and Bomas of Kenya General Manager, Ahamed Quresh.

Over 20 million visitors are expected to attend the expo.

The Anfo mayor praised Blessed Sister Irene's work of mercy and compassion that have made her an icon in Kenya and Italy, and pledged to work with Kenya to strengthen her legacy.

"The residents of Anfo are honoured to receive this gift from the people of Kenya on Blessed Sister Irene's behalf. To know that someone from our small town has had such an impact on a country half way around the word is truly special," said the Mayor.