The Holy Father jets in Kenya today. This is the world’s most powerful religious figure and as he sets foot in Africa for the first time, Kenya is his first destination. The coming of the His Holiness Pope Francis makes this year to be a good one for Brand Kenya going down to have been a horst to two world figures who are respected all over the world. The Pope comes after President Obama was in Kenya for the Global Entrepreneurship Summit GES 2015 in July.
The Pope’s maiden tour of Africa and especially Kenya is by all means very exciting news mostly for the Roman Catholic faithful and Christians at large. The Papal visit, despite the fact that it is a religious one, has some economic gains and opportunities that Kenya may grab and utilize. This is because hundreds of thousands of visitors are already into the country during this holy occasion.
The Pope’s pastoral visit will enhance a national value system based on good principles. Perhaps this will encourage Kenyans embrace love, respect and unity to each other. There is also the demon of corruption that needs to be cast out and perhaps with this visit, Kenyans will realize how sinful corruption is.
Small businesses in town should take this opportunity to boom. This is because many Kenyans from the countryside are in town and need such essentials as food, water and a place to rest. This is the time that those in the hotel industry can enhance their services by providing real time on site services to the faithful who will need something to bite after a time of prayer.
This is also an opportune time for Kenyan creative designers to make some good profits by producing and selling souvenirs such as Pope Francis figurines, crafts, t-shirts, amulets and even instant photos. This is a memorable event and someone would like to go back to their homes with something that will remind them of this visit. Photos will therefore be taken in large volumes and those who will undertake this business will make some good money. This will also provide an opportunity for businesses and Brand Kenya to strategically market itself to the many visitors from around the world.
The transport sector has to make money during this visit. The first thing to note is that many Kenyans from are now in Nairobi for the papal visit. They will need transport facilities from where they will be spending to where the event will be taking place. Visitors from other countries too will need transport services. Travelling agencies within the city can take this opportunity to enhance their services.
The tourism sector is not likely to benefit as such. This is because the visitors who are coming are specifically coming for the religious event and may not have time to visit other sites for recreational purposes. However, the tourism sector has to take this opportunity to market itself to the many visitors that have already come and some still coming.
The bells are ringing. It is church time. Let us go and see the Pope and let the business thrive.