- Title: AFRICA-OBAMA/KENYA-MORNING Kenyans' expectations high ahead of Obama visit
- Date: 24th July 2015
- Summary: NAIROBI, KENYA (JULY 24, 2015) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF BILLBOARD READING (English): "WELCOME HOME OBAMA"
- Embargoed: 8th August 2015 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Kenya
- Country: Kenya
- Topics: General
- Reuters ID: LVA9FAIT5Q25Z994WN4QJJ1QGUZR
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: American flags were hoisted and billboards bearing welcome messages displayed in Nairobi on Friday (July 24) as U.S. President Barack Obama headed to Kenya.
Obama's first visit to his father's homeland as U.S. president, kicks off a trip through Africa that will also include a stop in Ethiopia.
Many Kenyans have created a wish list of what they hope Obama will achieve during his visit.
On Friday morning Nairobi resident Josephat Osembe said that he hoped Obama will focus on voting and elections.
"I'm very sure Obama's visit will make great changes in Kenya. More so in the democratic space of Kenya I really want things to work in Kenya and our election and vote counting. Number two our economy to grow in Kenya and to talk very strongly against tribalism," he said.
Obama's trip will focus on security and economic initiatives as the president shores up his legacy on the African continent.
Liverson Mokomo, who lives in Nairobi, said he hoped Obama will highlight corruption in Kenya.
"I think he will talk about corruption much, as corruption has affected us in great heights. Because if one person can steal about 1.2 billion, if we for example we have about ten people doing the same, this is a major havoc in our country. So we would like him to highlight much about corruption one and also job opportunities in time of tribalism," he said.
With Obama due in the capital later on Friday, the government on Thursday (July 23) announced that key roads will be closed during the visit.
Most businesses closed for the day and downtown Nairobi was deserted as many stayed away from the city.
The slowdown in business frustrated motorcyclist Boniface Mose.
"Actually we are being affected for this one because this is our daily meal, the coming of Obama is a gain to the government, not for us, yeah," he said.
During the trip Obama will also spend some private time with family members still living in Kenya. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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