Uhuru Orders Govt Officials to Prioritise Investors Demands

President Uhuru Kenyatta during a meeting with representatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 15, 2022.
President Uhuru Kenyatta during a meeting with representatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 15, 2022.
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President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday, February 15, ordered government officials to prioritise investors demands, noting that Kenya needed to remove the bureaucratic red tape that undermined trade.

In a statement released by State House after a meeting between the Head of State and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Uhuru underlined that the country ought to adapt to what investors wanted. 

He stated that the new move would ensure that the country secures mega investments. 

Representatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) during a trade meeting with Kenyan representatives in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 15, 2022.
Representatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) during a trade meeting with Kenyan representatives in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 15, 2022.
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“President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday directed Kenyan Government officials to be at the forefront in facilitating trade to give the country a comparative advantage as an investment destination of choice," read the statement in part.

“We need to be the welcoming party. We are here to listen. We are here to facilitate. We are here to do what these investors require from us in order to come into our country to bring their investment, to help us create jobs, and to help us develop our economy,” he added.

President Kenyatta also expressed that the government was willing to initiate talks that will oversee the signing of a free trade agreement between Kenya and GCC.

“Towards this end, I propose we consider initiating discussions on a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement,” he stated.

Member countries of GCC include UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain.

Additionally, Uhuru stated that there were various opportunities for investments between the two countries including sports tourism. He stated that Kenya was open to availing her sporting facilities for members of the UCC.

“With respect to goods, we have animals and animal products, gold, cut flowers, fish, pharmaceuticals, tobacco, textiles and apparel, vegetables and fruits that the UAE could procure from Kenya at competitive prices.

“Allow me to use this opportunity to invite the nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Council states to come and experience our world-famous tourist attractions.  We have a long history of trade, culture, and travel relations between the coast of eastern Africa and this region, and we are always ready to welcome you,” he assured. 

Foreign Affairs CS Racheal Omamo and Industrialisation CS Betty Maina during a  meeting with representatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 15, 2022.
Foreign Affairs CS Racheal Omamo and Industrialisation CS Betty Maina during a meeting with representatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 15, 2022.
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