Kenya to host Tokyo International Conference on African Development summit next year as Gambia bows out

President Jammeh expressed his desire to have nationals from his country be trained in Kenya especially in Tourism, wildlife management and in Judicial reforms.

Kenya was given the honour to host the summit when the President of the Gambia Yahya Jammeh withdrew his country’s offer to host the summit in favour of Kenya following lobbying by a Kenyan delegation led by Deputy President William Ruto in the Gambian capital Banjul.

Mr. Ruto who was President Uhuru Kenyatta’s special envoy expressed Kenya’s gratitude to AU and in particular the six African countries namely Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Chad, Egypt and now Gambia who had offered to host the summit but have now all withdrawn in favor of Kenya. He said: “I wish to express my gratitude for the overwhelming confidence that the African continent has shown in giving Kenya the opportunity to host the summit and assure them, Japan and other co-organizers of its success.

“President Jammeh’s move to withdraw his country from hosting the summit and giving Kenya the chance was a demonstration of great statesmanship and pan-acfricanship, the gesture is generous open and a warm hearted agreement.” He added that it was a wonderful opportunity for Kenya noting it meant a lot for Kenyans. “The place of Gambia in the annals of history will be assured in days to come,” he added

 President Jammeh assured Kenya of his full support in ensuring that she successfully hosts the summit, adding it was not about Kenya or Gambia but about the continent of Africa. President Jammeh said, “I believe in joint economic collaboration between Africa and Japan and this summit will go a long way in ensuring the success of that collaboration.” The two leaders agreed that unlocking of the stalemate was a demonstration that African countries can work together and break any barriers that could arise between them. They also talked of bilateral matters especially in tourism, trade and investment, agriculture, agro –processing, education and other pertinent issues that would promote the social -economic wellbeing of the two countries.

President Jammeh and Mr. Ruto said there was need for Kenya and Gambia to set up a joint commission for cooperation to have a solid framework for engagement. The Deputy President announced plans to have Kenya Airways extend its West African route to Banjul, saying it will unlock the great economic potential there is in trade and investment between the two countries.

DPPS