Niaje, hawayuni – US President Barack Obama greets GES delegates in “sheng”

United States President Barack Obama got a resounding applause when he greeted delegates at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in Kenyan slang, Sheng.

Presiding over the opening of the sixth edition of the GES, Obama surprised the audience greeted them saying, “Niaje wasee, hawayuni?” (What’s up guys, how are you all doing?)

This was well received by the delegates who cheered in approval of the U.S. leader’s familiarity with his ‘roots’.

Obama encouraged African entrepreneurs, especially youth and women, to bring change to the continent.

“It is time we changed the narrative about Africa. If half of your team is not playing, you have a problem. In many countries half of the team is women and youth,” said Obama.

The American leader said that he is proud of what Kenya has achieved in the economic and technological arenas.

“I am proud of what Kenya has done so far. I urge more global leaders to come to Kenya”, he added.

Obama is the first U.S. President to visit Kenya, and his trip is significant to Kenyans because this is his father’s homeland.