This archive report was first published on 1 November 2021.
Kenya's diverse culture has placed the country at par with other international countries, according to Raila Odinga, the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). The AU Special Envoy for Infrastructure made the remarks during a visit to Kenya's pavilion at the Dubai 2020 Expo, which is currently hosted by Dubai in the United Arab Emirates from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022.
Speaking at the expo, Raila said the move by Kenya to exhibit its products at the international event is welcome. He noted that the exhibition is an opportunity to showcase what Kenya has to offer to the rest of the world.
“It is an opportunity to showcase what Kenya has to offer to the rest of the world. As they say, if you don’t tell your story nobody will tell it for you,” he said.
Kenya's pavilion is managed by the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency - KEPROBA. Raila was received and shown around by Kenya's Ambassador to UAE Kariuki Mugwe, and Kenya's consular General Dubai Consulate Peter Mwendwa.
Kenya’s national day will be held on 16th February 2022. However, Kenya has planned to have an entire Kenya week which will involve various activities such as flower activation on Valentine’s Day, the Kenya UAE trade investment and business forum and Kenya Diaspora Business State Dinner.
During his visit, Raila also spoke about the need for Africa to trade more with itself. He disclosed that one of the inhibiting factors has been the poor infrastructure in the continent.
“We have to ensure that the infrastructure in the continent is improved so that we can increase trade among African countries,” he said.
