A month after the Qatar government opened its doors for the 2023 Expo, Kenya is still yet to participate in the global event.
The Expo, which started on October 2 and scheduled to run until March 28, 2024, is expected to bring in millions of visitors.
According to the Qatari government, 3 million people are expected to converge at its capital Doha for the Expo raising concerns about why Kenya’s Trade Ministry has not taken the opportunity to market Kenya.
Kenya is among many countries that have been allocated a booth at Al Bidda Park, Doha to showcase and market innovative technology, especially in modern agriculture.
“Expo 2023 Doha is set to make history as the first A1 International Horticultural Exhibition in Qatar, the Middle East, and North Africa,” Qatar explained in a statement.
Countries have been invited to participate in and market Modern Agriculture, Technology and Innovation, Environmental Awareness, and Sustainability.
"The venue serves as an exceptional platform for private and government sector exhibitors and event planners to host B2B and B2C events, offering ample room to display products and services to a diverse and engaged audience," the organisers of the event further stated.
Ironically, the theme of the expo aligns with President William Ruto’s agenda to make Kenya food secure and mitigate against the ravages of climate change but it appears Kenya has decided to snub the event altogether.
In the 2023 Expo, Qatar is exploring techniques to enable sustainable cultivation of trees and crops in arid lands.
As such, the Middle Eastern country is seeking ways to combine traditional agricultural practices with modern and alternative techniques like hydroponics, permaculture, and vermiculture, all in a sustainable manner.
A Kenyan based in Qatar and in charge of the empty stand remarked that she was not sure when or if Kenya would take part.
“I do not know when. Maybe December or January. I am also waiting,” the Kenyan showed her frustration.
Trade Minister Rebecca Miano has not responded to why Kenya is not participating in the key global event.
