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Kenya to host major international conferences as Cabinet gives nod

President William Ruto during a Cabinet meeting which was attended by his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua and cabinet secretaries at State House, Nairobi on June 11, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

By Farhiya Hussein | Tuesday, June 11, 2024

During a cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto on Tuesday, the Cabinet emphasised the importance of these efforts in enhancing Kenya's global presence.

The Cabinet has approved the hosting of two major international conferences, the Blu Invest Africa Forum in July 2024 and the World Congress of the International Union of Forest Research Organization (IUFRO) in August 2024, as part of the country's strategy to position itself as a leading destination in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector.

During a cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto on Tuesday, the Cabinet emphasised the importance of these efforts in enhancing Kenya's global presence. The introduction of Visa-Free entry under the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) framework was highlighted as a key component of this strategy.

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“The hosting of these two conferences further advances the realisation of our nation’s foreign policy objectives with climate change adaptation and the health of oceans and seas (blue economy) as key cornerstones of our diplomacy,” the Cabinet dispatch read in part.

Additionally, Kenya will celebrate World Kiswahili Day from July 5-7, 2024, hosting East African Community (EAC) member states. The event aims to highlight the cultural and linguistic heritage of the region.

These events follow a successful year in which Kenya hosted 50 Heads of State and Government, alongside a record number of delegates, highlighting its capacity to handle large-scale international gatherings.

The Cabinet pointed to the successful hosting of previous major events, including the Africa Climate Summit, the Africa Heads of State Summit for the Twenty-First Replenishment of the Resources of the International Development Association (IDA21), and the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group Annual Meeting.

They noted these events have significantly boosted Kenya's profile on the global stage and align with the nation’s foreign policy objectives, particularly in climate change adaptation and promoting the blue economy.

“This unwavering commitment has resulted in Kenya hosting 50 Heads of State and Government, along with a record number of delegates, in the past year. In line with this strategic vision and buoyed by the successful hosting of significant events such as the continent’s inaugural Africa Climate Summit,” the Cabinet added.