Deputy President William Ruto says President Barack Obama's visit will create investment prospects

Deputy President William Ruto greets Opposition leaders Raila Odinga at Kenyatta International Convention Centre for the Global Entrepreneurship Summit delegates dinner. He represented President Kenyatta. [PHOTO: DPPS]

 

Deputy President (DP) William Ruto has extolled President Barack Obama visit for the Global Entrepreneurship Summit, affirming that it will create an opportunity for Kenya to showcase her investment potential.

 

He said the event graced by people from across the globe, will go a long way in changing the perception of Kenya.

“Kenya has so much to offer. This summit is very important for Kenya, the East African Community and the continent in creating a platform for interaction and opportunities for upcoming and existing entrepreneurs,” said the DP.

He explained, “We are working towards improving our economy to be knowledge based and technology driven and this can only be achieved through empowering our entrepreneurs.”

Ruto, who chaired the Entrepreneurship Panel yesterday at the Kenya International Conventional Centre joined by Strive Masiyiwa founder and chairman Eco Net and business persons, United Nations global entrepreneurship council chairman Ashish Thakrar, Immaculate Musonda, Michael Macharia and Kenya Commercial Bank CEO Joshua Oigara, emphasised that Kenya is among the seven countries in Africa with major investment potential.

He also affirmed that Kenya is a great tourist destination and a focus for potential investors. “As the curtains fall on this event tomorrow, a lot will have been learnt by our visitors and it will assist in changing the perception of Kenya and Africa,” said Ruto.

Oigara moderated the discussions as the DP maintained that Kenya is the destination of choice and it offers tremendous opportunities for business and pleasure.

“As a government, we regularly engage the private sector in coming up with regulations and policies that provide conducive environment for investment,” said Ruto.

He continued, “The president and I agreed with the private sector that all policies with be aligned with the interests of the public and private sector. In ensuring we implement all government flagship projects we pledged to provide a workable environment following concerns raised like the cost of electricity.”

Masiyiwa, who chairs the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (Agra) pledged to invest more in Kenya, saying it offers potential for business. “It is easy to do business in Kenya. It has set in place proper institutions, including an independent Judiciary. In any place for investment, the rule of law is important,” he said. He praised President Kenyatta as a reachable and open minded leader.

“We requested to meet him as international investors and he pitched a meeting on a Saturday. This is very encouraging to us.”