UK prime minister Boris Johnson warmed the hearts of world leaders when he addressed the UK-Africa Investment Summit on Monday, January 20.
The UK premier reflected on the relationship between the UK and Kenya, noting the symbiotic relationship that thrives between the two nations.
"I’m told that probably partly as a result of what is going on in Mombasa, half of all the tea drunk in the UK comes to us from Kenya," Johnson noted.
"Think of that. Britain without a nice cup of tea is barely worth thinking about, and that means Britain without Kenya is barely worth thinking about," he stated, eliciting applause from the leaders in attendance.
"Literally sustained, kept sane and rational throughout the day by infusions of Kenyan supply tea. Even if it doesn’t originate in Kenya it comes through Kenya, you’ve got to be careful about that," Johnson added.
The UK premier further recognised the existing commercial projects undertaken by the two governments to bolster economic growth.
He noted the favourable environment that has been central to the thriving commercial environment for trade between the two nations.
"A relationship that benefits us all and makes a lasting, difference. And the same is true of the UK government’s $53 million investment at the Port in Mombasa," Johnson stated.
"A serious, commercially minded development like many other overseas investments in Africa. But rather than being arranged on extraordinarily one-sided terms and delivered by a vast imported workforce, without wishing to cast aspersions on any other potential partner.
"It was a sustainable deal that created jobs for ordinary Kenyans now and in the future. And it has made it easier for British businesses to work with and trade with their Kenyan counterparts and vice-versa," he noted.
President Uhuru Kenyatta was among the 21 African heads of states who graced the summit.
