NAIROBI, Kenya, February 24 – World number one Serena Williams this morning paid a courtesy call to President Mwai Kibaki and Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka.
The tennis icon met Kibaki at his Harambee House offices and presented him with an autographed tennis racquet.
Earlier, the five time Austarlian Open champion met with Kalonzo at Jogo House where she accorded him the same honour.
The Vice President lauded efforts by the multiple grand slam winner in setting up schools in Kenya .
Mr. Musyoka said her partnership with leading Computer manufacturer Hewlett-Packard (HP) and Charitable organization – Build African Schools, is set to transform rural communities by equipping them with school facilities as well as helping them attain computer literacy.
He made the remarks in his Jogoo house when the tennis superstar paid him a courtesy call.
The Vice President, who invited her to also partner with his Kalonzo Musyoka Foundation to provide scholarships to needy students, proposed that Ms Williams would be a worthy beneficiary of the proposed dual citizenship under the new constitution.
“She has definitely touched many Kenyan lives and is therefore worthy of such recognition if she so wishes,’’ he said.
Ms Williams said she will continue to not only open and support schools in Kenya but also build and provide computers to other countries, in Africa .
She added that she was committed to contribute towards “putting a smile” on the faces of many unfortunate members of the society.
With a light touch, the champion welcomed the dual citizenship proposal, adding that her only problem would be the confusion at the International Airports on whether to fill her forms as Kenyan or American.
Ms Williams opened Wee Secondary School in Matiliku Location in Makueni district yesterday.
She was accompanied to the VP’s office by Assistant Minister for Defence and Mwingi South MP, David Musila, Makueni MP, Peter Kiilu, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Home Affairs, Dr. Ludeki Chweya, Global Vice President HP, Mr. Satjiv Chahil, HP CEO East Africa Mr. Ken Mbwaya and Build Africa Schools CEO, Mr. Patrick O’Sullivan among other dignitaries.
