Kenya to leverage on German Bürgerfest to promote tourism

Kenya will make history as the first non-European country to participate in the “Bürgerfest” festival which is scheduled for 13th - 14th September in Berlin, Germany.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing'oei has termed the event as a tangible and visible milestone in the growing relations between Kenya and Germany spanning over 60 years.

Germany is a leading foreign direct investor given the presence of over 100 German companies in the country, with investments worth Ksh.150 billion. 

According to the PS the event provides an opportunity to grow tourist arrivals from Germany being a key source market for Kenya. In the last financial year, Kenya attracted 81,359 German tourists compared to 66,064 in the previous year marking a 23.2% growth. 

During the Bürgerfest, Kenya and Germany will also sign a Labour Agreement that will facilitate the migration of technical and skilled labour for TVET graduates to work in enterprises in Germany.

"Kenya is eager to participate in the Annual Citizen’s Festival, from September 13, to 14th 2024, not only to show case Kenya’s rich cultural heritage but also to engage in meaningful people-to-people contact with our German friends," Sing’oei stated on Saturday. 

Similarly Principal Secretary for Tourism John Ololtua said that event will enhance cultural diplomacy and also strengthen ties between Kenya and Germany.

"We want to build on this momentum and we see the Bürgerfest as an opportunity to further accelerate this growth,” said Ololtua.