Uhuru, Raila at State House banquet for Theresa May

President Uhuru Kenyatta hosted a banquet in honour of Prime Minister Theresa May with Opposition leader Raila Odinga at State House as part of the guests who were invited.

Also Read: List of Raila overseas trips after Uhuru handshake

Raila Odinga had travelled to Germany one week ago, his sixth trip outside the country since his famous handshake with President Kenyatta.

He has also been to Britain where he held talks with Harriet Baldwin, the Minister of State for Africa.

Baldwin was part of the U.K. delegation that accompanied Theresa May during her Kenya visit. She signed the Security Compact and Framework for the Return of Assets from Corruption and Crime in Kenya at State House.

On Thursday evening, Raila Odinga joined the President, his Deputy William Ruto and Chief Justice David Maraga for the State House banquet in honour of the British leader.

Earlier, PM Theresa May and President Kenyatta were at Strathmore University, Nairobi for a networking forum of business delegates from both countries.

It is at this meeting that she announced the entry of 20 new British businesses in Kenya.

According to her, this feat is a clear demonstration of the confidence the British business community has in Kenya’s investment environment.

PM @theresa_may and I had the opportunity to join Kenya and British business delegations at a networking forum. Expressed my gratitude to the PM and her Government for the assurance of un-wavering access of Kenyan products to the UK market, despite unfolding changes in the EU. pic.twitter.com/BVwB7f4DMV

— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) August 30, 2018

“British companies are known for their high quality standards and strict adherence to labour laws which are hallmarks of fair trade,” May said.

They are among the largest investors in country with companies employing over 250,000 people.

The Prime Minister said Africa needs to take advantage of its youthful population through the creation of job opportunities by empowering the private sector.

Urged the private sector to seize the opportunity and explore deeper cooperation and partnerships in all sectors between our two economies #KenyaBritainRelations | @theresa_may @10DowningStreet @KEPSA_KENYA pic.twitter.com/G4RPx7O7pM

— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) August 30, 2018

“Here in Kenya you have some of Africa’s vibrant and creative young people. To harness their potential, the young people need access to food and well paying jobs which can only be achieved through private sector involvement.” May added.

She noted that economic prosperity in Africa is possible through partnerships between the business community and political leadership.

On his part, President Kenyatta assured the private sector of his commitment and support in creating a conducive business environment.

“With the Big 4 agenda in place, my Government is ready to offer any support to any investor willing to venture into any of the sectors involved including manufacturing so as to move this country’s exports up the value chain and supplement our existing export offerings,” he said.

“Our cooperation today makes our people safer, more prosperous and more secure – here in Kenya, and in the UK.” – PM @Theresa_May in Kenya today #UKAfrica pic.twitter.com/0Kz4rbGBl1

— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) August 30, 2018

Additional report from PSCU