NAIROBI: Marketing of Kenyan coffee is expected to take centre stage at this week’s Milan Expo following President Uhuru Kenyatta’s official visit to Italy.
The President left for Italy yesterday, accompanied by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta and top government officials, and is scheduled to hold bilateral talks on various issues with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. He will also preside over the Kenya Day at the Kenya Pavilion where he is expected to launch the country’s new international brand campaign.
The campaign, developed by the Ministry of East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism, will include the activation of a new digital content portal and supporting social media platforms, designed to be the focus for all international tourism and investment enquiries.
“The introduction of the new brand, campaign and portal will bring all of the ministry’s existing and future campaigns together to tell Kenya’s story with one shared voice,” State House Spokesman Manoah Esipisu said yesterday during a national update.
At the expo, themed: “Feeding the planet, energy for life”, Kenya is exhibiting at Coffee Cluster, on one of the most important challenges facing Kenya in food security.
Visitors to the Kenya Pavilion will be allowed to taste a number of local delicacies, including the coffee in different blends in a government bid to revitalise the country’s foreign markets.
Kenyan coffee has an excellent reputation because it grows on rare volcanic soil and is processed quickly after harvesting, known to help it maintain its floral aroma. Beyond the taste, the coffee has also been acknowledged for many nutritional benefits.
Kenya will also hold a business forum to offer the Italian and Kenyan business communities a chance to explore opportunities for joint trade and investment ventures. President Kenyatta will speak at the event.
A mini-marathon and a Cultural Day are some of the activities expected in Milan during the Kenya week. The Milan expo is a primary tourism promotion event and Tourism Cabinet secretary Phyllis Kandie is the lead Kenyan minister at the event.
