Roundup: Obama concludes Kenyan visit as ordinary Kenyans have mixed feelings

The U.S. President Barrack Obama concluded his three-day visit to Kenya on Sunday and pledged new support in key areas like security, energy, infrastructure and trade.

During his key note address at the business summit, Obama announced 1 billion dollars to support women and youth entrepreneurs worldwide, adding that the American government will increase technical and financial support for female and young entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Washington will provide additional funds, modern equipment and technical training to strengthen the war against terrorism.

Obama also said his government will extend visa for Kenyan students, investors and tourists from one to five years. According to Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visa extension will enable more Kenyans visit the United States to study and conduct business.

Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Amina Mohamed indicated the U.S. will finance a new initiative to strengthen border control alongside reforms in the police force and justice department.

On infrastructure, the U.S. will support development of a transport corridor connecting Lamu port to Ethiopia and South Sudan.

Several multinational giants also participated in the summit and announced their desire to enlarge their footprint in Kenya and the wider Sub-Saharan Africa region.

Some citizens believe that Obama's visit is what Kenya needed to move itself forward in many spheres. However, there are also some Kenyans who do not believe Obama's visit will change the country in any way.

Motorbike transport operator Victor Ndirangu did not believe that his life would change for the better after the Obama visit.

"I still have to wake up every day and ferry people for me to earn a living, perhaps it is my children who will benefit years to come," said the 36-year-old man.

As the global attention focuses on Kenya, many citizens, particularly those in Nairobi, will have lasting memory of the Obama visit. One of the things that they will remember in many years to come are the disruptions that come with such a visit.

The courts, banks, schools and other businesses were shut after the government announced some key roads will be closed to provide way for Obama due in Nairobi on Friday evening.

Small traders are now counting their losses during the visit.

"I opened my cafe as usual in the morning and the number of customers who have stepped in my shop can be counted on my fingers," Jane Nduta told Xinhua in downtown Nairobi. Enditem