Former US President Barack Obama is set to meet President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga during his visit to Kenya next month.
His Communication Director, Kate Hill said Obama will land in Kenya on July 15th, meet President Kenyatta and Odinga before flying to his ancestral village, K’ogelo the following day.
His sister Dr Auma Obama said the former US President will be in the country to inspire and empower Kenyans to change the world.
Auma said Obama will be in K’Ogelo to inaugurate the ultra-modern Sauti Kuu Foundation Sports, Resource and Vocational Training Centre. The facility was built with support of the Obama Foundation and the 44th US president will be the Chief Guest on its launch on July 16th.
“Given that his own mission under the Obama Foundation is to inspire and empower people to change the world, his attendance at this event at our ancestral home, where our father was laid to rest, is of great significance to me,” said Auma.
“I am forever grateful for his support to help me realize my vision. This is just the start, we hope to be able to replicate our work in other parts of Kenya and Africa,” she added.
The sports centre hosts an international standard size football pitch built under sponsorship of the German Ministry for Development Cooperation, a basketball court sponsored by the Giants of Africa Foundation, and a volleyball/netball court. Other facilities in the sports centre include a library, IT lab, and vocational center.
“I am so happy to finally inaugurate this center after three years of hard work. The space will serve as a safe physical space for children, youth and their families to meet and interact regularly while participating in different sports and learning activities,” said Auma.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, State House Deputy Spokesperson Kanze Dena confirmed Obama’s visit to Kenya.