CONFERENCE: Hundreds of guests have arrived in Kisumu City ahead of Africities Summit which kicks off today.

President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to open the meeting being attended by several Heads of State from Africa. Kisumu International Airport was a beehive of activities yesterday as guests streamed into the Lakeside city one after the other in-flight tow for the summit.

Kisumu Airport Manager Selina Gor said some guests flew in direct to the city from as far as Asia, Europe and the African continent.

Among guests who had arrived was Djibouti president Ismail Omar Guelleh. Kenya and Djibouti have had a cordial bilateral relationship and last year President Uhuru attended Guelleh’s inauguration into office.

Addressing the press in Kisumu on Sunday evening, United Cities and Local Governments (ULCG) Africa, Secretariat led by Jean Pierre Mbasi and Kisumu Governor, Prof Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o said adequate arrangements had been made.

“I am happy with the last-minute work made by the Kenyan government. At some point, I was wondering if this event will ever happen. But there it is. We are ready to host,” said Mbasi.

So far, according to Kisumu County Tourism executive Achie Alai, over 6,000 delegates have registered their attendance and many more were still expected before the global conference which runs between May 17 and 21.

Agriculture project

At the same time, British High Commission and the Kisumu County government have launched an ambitious multi-million shilling sustainable agriculture project to boost food and nutritional security.

The project seeks to transform the livelihood of 20,000 rural and urban farmers and is encouraging them to explore all modern methods of farming.

The first phase of the agreement was signed yesterday by Kisumu County Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and United Green Director and Head, Agriculture and Food Investments, Rod Bassett.