This month – May 2015 – has seen some high-profile visits by dignitaries who are clearly keen to strengthen the relationship between the US and Kenya.

Bill & Chelsea Clinton visit projects supported by their Global Initiative

On 3 May former US President Bill Clinton and his daughter, Chelsea, visited the Save the Elephant Research Centre in the Samburu National Reserve, Northern Kenya.

The Clinton family are well-known campaigners for elephant conservation projects. Two years ago the Clinton Global Initiative, part of their charitable foundation, announced an $80 million program in coordination with other conservation groups to protect elephants and counter ivory trafficking.

Former President Bill Clinton is greeted on arrival in Kenya by Deputy President William Ruto and Foreign Minister Amina Mohamed

Chelsea Clinton takes a tour of Samburu National Reserve

During the 2014 US-Africa Leaders Summit, Clinton expressed an interest in travelling to Kenya to see the difference the charities they sponsor are making and to see how they can further collaborate with the Kenyan government.

US Secretary of State visits Nairobi

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State John Kerry was touring the Nairobi National Park and the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage where he clearly enjoyed feeding some of the baby orphans. Kerry – another advocate for combating poaching – took time to learn about wildlife conservation efforts ahead of his government meetings.

US Secretary of State John Kerry visits the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

The following day Kerry met with President Uhuru Kenyatta to discuss investment, security and President Barack Obama’s upcoming visit to Kenya.

President Kenyatta said Kenya has the ninth largest economy on the continent and it is highly-ranked regarding business environment and investment opportunities. The Kenya government wants to encourage more US companies and there are huge opportunities for investment in green energy as Kenya has the capacity to provide half of Africa’s geothermal energy needs.

Kerry also discussed further investment in anti-terrorism strategies, including support regarding training, equipment and surveillance.

President Barack Obama to visit in July 2015

Kenya is preparing for the forthcoming visit by US President Barack Obama. Planned for July, this will be his first presidential visit to Kenya which is the birth-place of his father.

During his trip President Obama is set to co-host Africa’s first Global Entrepreneurship Summit which will take place in Nairobi. This summit brings together business owners, educators, policymakers and investors to support the growth of new enterprises in developing regions.

U.S. President Obama will visit Kenya in July to meet again with President Kenyatta

A White House press release read “Choosing Kenya as the destination for G.E.S. underscores the fact that Africa, and Kenya in particular, has become a center for innovation and entrepreneurship“.