Senegal President-Elect Faye to visit Eastleigh's BBS Mall during first official tour to Kenya

Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the President-elect of Senegal, will make a significant stop at the renowned BBS Mall in Eastleigh, Nairobi, during his first official tour to Kenya.

Faye comfortably won the Senegalese presidential election with 54.28 per cent of votes in the first round, official provisional results showed last Wednesday.

On Friday, Senegal’s Constitutional Council confirmed Faye's presidential election victory.

The confirmation now paves the way for his inauguration as the country’s fifth president on Tuesday, April 2.

In a statement on Monday, his office confirmed the 44-year-old leader will visit Kenya as his first international destination.

Faye's itinerary also includes visits to several African countries, including Rwanda, South Africa, and Ethiopia, signifying his commitment to regional diplomacy and cooperation.

However, it's his stop at the BBS Mall that is drawing significant attention, marking a symbolic gesture towards fostering economic ties and acknowledging Kenya's role as a pivotal partner in Africa.

In the statement, President-elect Faye expressed his anticipation for the visit, citing the BBS Mall as a prime example of modernity and luxury.

"I have seen a lot of dignitaries visit the biggest mall that they term an epitome of modernity and a significant commercial hub in the region, and since I will be in Nairobi for my first official visit, I will make sure I visit it," he remarked.

Economic prominence

The BBS Mall, spanning an impressive 130,000 square metres, stands as one of the largest shopping malls in East and Central Africa, symbolising the region's growing economic prominence.

A view of the Business Bay Square Mall in Eastleigh, Nairobi. (Photo: Amin Abdullahi/EV)

Situated in the bustling trading hub of Eastleigh, the mall offers a grand and clean environment, housing international brands such as Giordano, Linton's Beauty World, Pizza Hut, Galito's, and Artcaffe.

One of the standout features of the BBS Mall is its infrastructure, boasting more than 15 banks, over 20 restaurants, 1,500 parking slots, hospitals, cinema halls, and various retail outlets.

Notably, it has extensive parking facilities, coupled with robust security measures and a continuous supply of water and electricity, ensuring a seamless shopping and leisure experience for visitors.

The mall's significance transcends its architectural magnificence, as it has become a preferred destination for high-profile visits.

Earlier this month, President William Ruto made headlines with his maiden tour of the BBS Mall.

During his visit, he was given a comprehensive tour of the expansive complex and spent two hours exploring its facilities.

Ruto held a closed-door meeting and enjoyed a meal at the Grand Cafe and Indian Cuisine Restaurant on the second floor of the BBS Mall.

He indulged in a fine dining experience at the restaurant, where he was served the flavours of Indo-Somali cuisine, including Dailo (meat of a young goat) and biriani.

Among the notable figures who have graced the mall's premises are Somali Ambassador to Kenya Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, German Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth, Dadaab legislator Farah Maalim, and his Wajir South counterpart Mohammed Adow, underscoring its status as a diplomatic and commercial hotspot.

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