SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY HON. UHURU KENYATTA, C.G.H.

,
PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE DEFENCE FORCES
OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA DURING THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF
THE PRE-GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUMMIT 2015 EXPO AT
KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, NAIROBI
Honoured Entrepreneurs,
Distinguished Captains of Industry,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Welcome to this celebration of those whose curiosity and drive to find
needed solutions keep them on the constant search of innovation. I am
speaking of Kenyas entrepreneurs and business people who through
their hard work and perseverance are driving our nation to ever greater
heights.
In a few days, Barack Obama, the President of the United States will be
here to co-host with me the Global Entrepreneurship Summit. Some of
the worlds most successful entrepreneurs will be here accompanied by
the best of those who follow in their footsteps drawn from across the
world. The eyes of the world will be on Kenya, and I am excited to note
that a fifth of the entrepreneurs taking part will be Kenyans.
However, as the world comes to our doorstep, to see the Kenya that is
increasingly profiled as a leading hub of innovation and openness to
business, it is only right we should take every opportunity to showcase
the very best of our nations ideas.
Some of the best of Kenyas innovative products and services are on
display here, and I encourage all those who want to invest or start up
their own companies to take the opportunity to visit.
For the early investor, it can appear a lonely, risk-filled path, but meeting
with others who have trodden it before, and met with success, may give
you the insights you need to walk with surer feet.
The entrepreneur is not alone. You are part of a network of people, some
who support you because of their close personal relationship to you,
some who seek to invest in your product, others to work for you, and yet
others to become your customers.
You are part of an ecosystem whose success in birthing and scaling
business needs minimal characteristics of transparent, predictable rules
of the game, limited red tape, a strong transport and information
infrastructure, competitively priced energy, security, and a productive
workforce.
It is the responsibility of Government to ensure many of these

characteristics are delivered. My Government has made it a priority to

deliver.
We are continuing to rapidly cut down on red tape, to root out rent
seeking, to deliver cheaper, more accessible power, transforming our
road and railway network to reduce your transport costs, strengthening
security and investing in higher quality, more widely accessible
education modelled to increase marketable skills.
As a Government, we reflect the aspirations of all Kenyans for increased
access by all.
My Government, as I am sure the majority of you know, has allocated a
minimum of a third of its expenditures to be directed to businesses
owned and run by youth and women. I hope that you take advantage of
this, and do so reflecting the highest standards of delivery and integrity.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
You know well that we live in a country and a region that is still poor.
Everywhere you look, the ways we live and work could be improved.
It is for you in this hall, and your counterparts throughout our nation, to
see in the challenges your opportunity to build a business.
As President, I could not be prouder that so many of you are listening to
this urgent call for solutions. Kenyans are leading the way as the
continents leaders in innovation and entrepreneurship.
At the heart of their success is the powerful call to unity and mutual aid
that we call Harambee, which since our independence, and long before
then, has nurtured every Kenyan from birth, through school, and through
every challenge we know.
Beyond all the necessary business processes and contracts that power
business, the spirit of Harambee animates the ability to nurture and grow
partnerships which is crucial to successful business development.
An illustration of my Governments role in nurturing partnership is
demonstrated by its continuing support to Nailab, the ICT Incubation
Programme. Now in its fifth year, Nailab has supported 30 technology
based start-up firms through mentorship, training and business support
programs.
I have also sought to ensure that the Government creates an enabling
environment for international partnerships and initiatives that will end up
with the kinds of skills transfers and exposure that nurtures local
enterprise.

A prominent example is our strong support for the IBM Research Lab
which was opened in 2013 as one of 12 global research hubs, and the
first of its kind in Africa. The Kenyan Government is investing 170 million
Kenya Shillings, while IBM provided the hardware, software and high-end
scientific expertise.
The lab focusses on providing solutions for African and global challenges
such as the Twende Twende SMS system that helps local Nairobi
commuters avoid traffic congestion.
Crucially, its location at the Catholic University and its employ of Kenyans
means that we are nurturing a world-class group of technologists focused
on business-ready applications.
Increasingly, world-class companies are looking to gain from the
innovative spirit and hard work that Kenyans deliver. Among those at the
forefront of these unique partnerships are the Columbia Global Centre,
the Nokia Research Centre, and the World Bank-funded Climate
Innovation Centre.
Kenyan universities and colleges are also at the forefront of the ICT
revolution in the country. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and
Technology, in conjunction with Microsoft, Intel, and Inspur, assembled a
laptop known as Taifa which is currently on sale locally.
These are only a few examples of an innovation and technology
ecosystem that is bursting with productive energy. My Government hails
the entrepreneur, we believe our job is to do our part to provide the
environment that gives you the best chance for success.
Your efforts, your courage and curiosity make me proud to welcome
President Obama to Kenya to see for himself some of your efforts during
the Global Entrepreneurship Summit.
Together we will turn dreams into reality and ideas into prosperity.
Thank you and God Bless you.