It is easy to understand why Italian institutions in Kenya have always had consideration, respect and trust in Marco Cavalli.
It starts from more or less the same reason why so many compatriots in Watamu and Malindi love him and others know that he is a serious and reliable person. And you get to the faces and resumes of many of those who cannot stand him.
Marco is as genuine as the barbera of his Langhe without being naive at all, he is serious and meticulous without ever arriving at arrogance, and he has a willingness and patience to compete, without ever lacking firmness when it comes to explaining and enforcing rules.
For the past six years he has been consular correspondent for Watamu and has become a point of reference not only for the Italian residents there, but for the army of colourful compatriots on holiday. Doing what in the end is a second job, always and only on a voluntary basis. Not only gaining nothing from it, but also risking losing customers for his shop of Italian products, due to the natural antipathy that many compatriots have for the representatives of institutions, when they are up to their duty.
Among the many who are civilised and who find in Marco Cavalli a valid support, a representative of our institutions always ready to give advice or help those in difficulty, there are also those who come and go and often demand, who arrive for the first time and already know everything and have their own idea of Italian institutions abroad, which can be summed up more or less as follows: 'as long as I don't need them, they mustn't bother me, when I am in trouble or need something, they must be at my disposal'.
Marco Cavalli is there for everyone regardless and represents the certainty that the Italians who choose Watamu as their holiday destination are not alone. This is the visible 'work', but the Kenyan resident entrepreneur is also part of a solid and well-orchestrated team that teams up, keeps abreast of the situation, liaises with local institutions, watches over the safety of our compatriots and intervenes if necessary. Even for those who do not deserve it.
He, on the other hand, deserves the honour of Knight of the Star of Italy.