Meg Whitman: ‘Eased restrictions on visa boosting the US-Kenya partnership’
The US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman doing a jig while in Kisii County on October 15 ,2024. To the left is Kisii County Governor Simba Arati. Photo/Charles Magati
The US Government says it has over the years eased off visa restrictions for Kenyans.
Country Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman said the waiting time has significantly slashed down from the initial two(2) years to three(3) months.
"Though still not sufficiently good enough, the current waiting time frame for a single application marks an important step in boosting movement between the two states," Whitman observed.
"We are still doing more to enhance and improve the visa issuance," Whitman said.
The Ambassador said the US has also continued to partner with Kenya on humanitarian assistance and also help in expanding job opportunities for the local youths.
She was speaking in Kisii at a press conference hosted by Kisii Governor Simba Arati.
She further spoke of deliberate efforts by the US government to foster development related cooperation with the Kisii County administration.
Already the US has pumped over US$ 8 million worth of investments in the devolved unit.
The great junk has been directed towards health and agriculture, Whitman said.
"In line with this, we now have a programme for technology in health, support for children, and Western Kenya sanitation project," the Ambassador told journalists.
Other investments involve expanding democratic space in the country.
Whitman is in Kisii for a two(2) day visit.
She will speak to students at Kisii University later Tuesday.
She will tour the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital's Mother and Child health wing.
On Wednesday she would visit South Mugirango, the bastion of soap stone art in the country.
Whitman said her government is to explore more ways aimed at improving access of soapstone art to the US market.
Governor Simba Arati on his part said his administration is looking forward to build robust and cordial working relationship with the US administration.
The two(2) would especially forge partnership on agriculture by helping the county leverage on coffee and banana to grow its economy.
