The latest Bloomberg Survey of economists shows China still in first place for the rate of economic growth in 2015 at 7% but Kenya is now ranked third in the world with expected growth of over 6% in 2015 which is projected to rise to 7% in 2017.

Kenya is an agricultural country and one of the world’s biggest exporters of tea, while its fertile farmlands produce a range of other agricultural products including coffee, horticulture, maize, wheat, dairy and pork products all of which contribute to the country’s economic success.

Tourism is also a major sector in Kenya’s economy, making an important contribution to the country’s GDP and providing livelihoods for many thousands of Kenyans. It is known as the original home of wildlife safaris but also offers the unique opportunity for visitors to combine a safari with a stay at a coast resort by one of the beautiful Indian Ocean beaches.

Recently the government embarked on an extensive upgrade to the national roads infrastructure and returning visitors have noticed a big improvement within Nairobi itself and on the highways linking the city to other parts of the country.

Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, is a major hub for international air travel to Africa and in addition to the national carrier, Kenya Airways, with its extensive modern fleet, it is served by many of the world’s leading airlines including British Airways, KLM, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Condor, Brussels Airlines, Swiss and other famous names offering convenient connections from all over the world at extremely competitive airfares when compared with other African routes or longhaul destinations. A new departure Terminal was opened recently at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and further improvements are being made.

Since his election two years ago, President Kenyatta has been in New York to address the United Nations General Assembly and has made regular overseas trips to promote increased co-operation and trade between Kenya and global partners all over the world as well as hosting visits from international leaders and trade delegations coming to Nairobi.

The Kenyan President has just returned from a visit to Japan and held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries and boosting bilateral trade.

This week British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond arrived into Nairobi on Thursday, March 19th for a series of meetings with senior Kenyan government officials including President Uhuru Kenyatta. This is the first such meeting by senior British officials under the present government and a positive signal of closer collaboration between the two countries in the future. Kenya has been a favoured destination for British tourists and the most important source market for Kenya. President Kenyatta said after their meeting, “We discussed issues of mutual interest to our two countries. I acknowledged the historical relations between Kenya and Britain that has enabled enhancement of trade and investment between us. We will continue to deepen and strengthen our relationship for the benefit of our people.”

President Kenyatta addresses the UN General Assembly

Lord Mayor of the City of London and President Kenyatta

President Kenyatta with President Obama and Mrs Obama