Kenya's relations with Israel date far back. In the 1976 Entebbe raid dubbed Operation Thunderbolt, Kenya played a key role by aiding Israeli special forces to strike a massive blow at terrorism. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in the country to strengthen these ties.

Coming after visits by other dignitaries like US President Barack Obama, Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and Pope Francis, Mr Natanyahu's visit raises Kenya's profile as an investment destination where anyone can do business.

For far too long, Kenya has punched below its weight despite being the region's powerhouse. Kenya's economy is the biggest in the region boosted by its liberal market economics, better infrastructure and a huge human resource and technology. That is changing. Thanks to President Uhuru Kenyatta’s personal initiative. In three years, Mr Kenyatta has recast the image of Kenya from an inward-looking, timid country to one ready to welcome the world and to do business with it.

His critics have questioned these trips, but when all is said and done, there is real value in engaging the world. In truth, no man is an island: Kenya signed a Sh34 billion deal with Italy for water and sanitation projects; Kenya benefited from a $100 million security deal with the US in 2015; multi-billion shilling deals on infrastructure were inked during the Chinese Premier's visit and many more.

There is a lot to learn from Israel's robust security apparatus in the face of growing terrorist threats. Israel, a desert country, is a net exporter of food earning Sh2.08 billion annually. The 10,000-acre Galana-Kulalu irrigation scheme in Tana River will gain from Israeli expertise. No doubt, Kenya stands to gain a lot by engaging the world as it seeks solutions to the unique challenges it faces.