This morning I was graciously invited to join a YPO business conference at the Holiday Inn in Nairobi, Kenya. I was honored to join and take part in a round table breakfast discussion with the Minister of Tourism - Najib Mohamed Balala. In attendance were the most prominent businessmen influencing Kenya today.

Mr. Balala arrived briefly after I sat down and proceeded to deliver an insightful summary of the current state of affairs within the Ministry of Tourism. Tourism has suffered in Kenya and reversing this trend has developed into an important policy objective. Under Mr. Balala's mandate, tourism has grown significantly in Kenya. It did not take me long to appreciate why. His poise and outlook on the approach government must take in Kenya to remedy the failures of the past was inspiring. He possessed an impressive knowledge of not only tourism in Kenya, but also the trends of tourism throughout Africa. I was taken back by his eloquence as an orator and common sense as a politician. He presented many arguments for how the government in Kenya can do more to transform their nation into a powerful and stable nation.

He suggested that the crumbling infrastructure and poverty in Kenyan cities and suburbs has damaged the image of Kenya for many foreigners. I found this point to be especially poignant due to its relevance to our cause. The widespread poverty seen in Kenya undoubtedly contributes to the unfortunate climate of deterioration seen in the infrastructure of Kenya.

I've stated it before and will reiterate it again - change starts from the bottom up. Microfinance can do much to resolve issues plaguing the tourism sector by revolutionizing the socioeconomic structure within Kenya. A more prosperous society will, without a doubt, improve the state of Kenyan infrastructure.

Following the engaging discussion, which included many of the most influential businessmen in the country, I had an opportunity to thank Mr. Balala personally for having me. To my surprise, he recognized me from the news clips shown throughout Kenya yesterday and wished us well in our efforts. His support is greatly appreciated. I know he recognizes my efforts are fundamntally aligned with his vision of strengthening Kenya.

We will be posting a link to video excerpts from the meeting this morning later today. I urge you to watch it as it provides insightful thinking on how nations like Kenya need to make fundamental changes in their thinking to create real change.