Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged Israeli entrepreneurs to invest heavily in Kenya.
Netanyahu, who arrived in the capital Nairobi on the second-leg of a four state trip, said his country has both strategic national and global interests in Kenya’s prosperity and it would only be prudent for his countrymen to utilize investment opportunities available in the East Africa’s largest economy.
Netanyahu said Kenya is a country endowed with talented people with many possibilities 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,” the Israeli Prime Minister urged his countrymen.
The Prime Minister said the two governments are ready to reduce any business risks that might arise.
The Israeli leader also urged the county governments to partner with the Israeli investors who are willing to share their expertise and experience in economic development.
Netanyahu spoke at the Villa Rosa Kempinski where he joined President Uhuru Kenyatta to address a Kenya-Israel Business Forum where business people from the two countries were exploring profitable partnerships.
The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry said deals more than Ksh 2 billion were signed yesterday before the two leaders came to officially open the forum.
President Kenyatta said the main objective of his government is to expand and improve the country’s economy for the betterment of future generations.
The President called on Israeli entrepreneurs to seek to invest in the country as they are not only guaranteed short term gains but long term stable profits.
He pointed out that the country has a wealth of natural resources including 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, so that they are empowered to pursue their potential,” said President Kenyatta.
The President said the government is reforming the education sector and reinvigorating National Youth Service to raise a generation of young people that are lateral thinkers, problem solvers and risk takers who strive for service and are able to endure the sacrifices that precede success.
“We are working to ensure that 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 affirmed.
President Kenyatta said the phenomenon of Israel’s economic success remains a global inspiration and speaks 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; where commerce is coded into your very culture; where entrepreneurship is not just something you do, but who you are,” the President said.
