Brand Kenya ambassadors

There has been much ado about branding or re-branding Kenya recently. Articles by experts and opinion makers abound about what we need to do to increase investment, trade and tourism and even get citizens to get behind a cause and change the attitude they have towards the country.

What I really want to know is what is the image of Kenyans traveling or living outside of the country? What is the image of the Kenyan student in Kansas, the nurse in Manchester, the manager in Uganda or the bouncer working in Dubai? What about those who carry our flag highest – our sportsmen, ministers, business people and cultural ambassadors. I heard a disturbing story recently about a Minister and his entourage who on a visit abroad at an official dinner broke many of the established rules of common etiquette, protocol and good manners. The group showed up late, drank too much, were dressed inappropriately, had 15th century dining manners, only talked amoungst themselves - and when they did talk to anyone else it was the men trying to chat up (or tune) other women. And these were only some of the most egregious examples by all accounts. It was an embarrassing spectacle for all present who included their host, the mayor and leading businessmen from that city as well as the diaspora Kenyans invited. Our brand, Kenya, took a severe dent that night.

Our rugby players proudly wear the Kenyan colours and airline logo on their jerseys and one hopes that in the lobbies of hotels in Wellington, London and Las Vegas, that they conduct themselves as competent and distinguished citizens in whom we have much pride. Good manners and a great image in the international social arena cannot be overstated. Ask any tourist who visits Kenya and overwhelmingly they will say Kenyans are friendly and hospitable. Is this the same image we have when visiting and living overseas? The good name we enjoy at home can be wiped out by boorish behavior or by a breach of etiquette especially by those in an official capacity or representing the country. When you travel abroad, remember you are an ambassador of Brand Kenya.