American film producer Nicole Murphy plans for Kenya
By Kevin CheruiyotAmerican filmmaker celebrity Nicole Mitchell Murphy has made her first visit to Kenya, a journey which she describes as an opportunity to explore the country individually, away from what she has heard on social media about the country.
Nicole 56 who is American celebrated comedian Eddy Murphy’s ex-wife, says that her private trip in the country will enable her to learn about the rich culture of Kenyans that can only be best explored by visiting the place.
She is now campaigning for a change of perception of the African continent, which has been painted to indicate that its people are suffering, while the reality for those who have toured the continent is different.
“On television, they show a little boy or a little girl, no clothes on, a big belly. It’s like they are starving, flies all over her face and that is the image they are portraying to us in the state (US),” Ms Murphy says.
In a colorful reception ceremony that was held on Tuesday at JW Marriott Hotel, Nairobi, that was led by Tourism Cabinet secretary Rebecca Miano, the actress also known for modeling, promised to take the Magical Kenya brand to the next level in the US, now that she has a clear picture about Kenya.
“You guys have a beautiful city, you have beautiful beaches, you have the animals and you have an economy that people don’t know about. This visit coming here is extremely important and I will be educating them back home on Kenya and Africa.”
Ms Murphy, who started her modeling career at 13 has a huge following on her social media accounts, including Instagram, where she has been active entertaining her over one million followers.
Despite her retirement from the runway and beauty pageant, Murphy’s fame is something that the Kenyan government couldn’t wish away, which explains why they jumped at her private visit.
“It is a lifetime opportunity and her major visit here and we believe that her experience will serve as a testament to what Kenya is,” CS Ms Miano said.
The CS said that the Kenyan government is in the process of seeking partnerships with both local and international celebrities to showcase the diverse opportunities in Kenya, including investment tourism, relaxing tourism as well as agri-tourism.
Ms Miano said that the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO Ms June Chepkemei is leading the team in taking the magical Kenya brand to the next level, which will play a big role in attracting more tourists to the country.