WELCOME STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE HON. MWAI KIBAKI, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA

 
On my own behalf and on behalf of the Government and the people of Kenya, I convey our warm greetings to you all.

I take great pride in Kenya’s participation at the summer 2012 London Olympic Games and the Paralympics Games thereafter.  As a committed Member of the Olympics fraternity, Kenya is proud to be not only the cradle of great Olympic athletes but also Africa’s leading athletics nation.  The country has over the years won several world records in long distance athletic events.

The Government of Kenya has laid out an elaborate programme to take advantage of our presence at the summer Olympics to reach out to the global trade and investment audience.  To achieve this, the Government of Kenya and its partners will be co-hosting an Investment Summit seeking to attract International Investment capital into our country.  I am particularly happy that the Lord Mayor of the City of London has agreed that this Investment Summit be held at his official residence at the Mansion House.

The Kenya Investment Summit will be held on July 31st 2012 and will focus on specially selected bankable projects envisioned in our development blue-print, Kenya Vision 2030. Over ten eminent speakers and panellists, and nearly 200 delegates are expected to attend. The Summit, the first of its kind in London, will provide an extraordinary opportunity for investors, businesses executives and government officials to network and take part in a comprehensive dialogue geared to understanding the business and investment climate in Kenya and to enhance Foreign Direct Investment.

On behalf of the Government of Kenya I look forward to welcoming you to this Summit, and also to the Kenya House, in Stratford city, near the Olympic Park where Kenya is showcasing her unique culture, art and other endowments.

I join the co-hosts of the Investment Summit, the Right Honourable Alderman David Wootton, The Lord Mayor of the City of London and Sir Alan Collins, Director General of the Commonwealth Business Council in welcoming you.

KARIBUNI  - “WELCOME”