Nairobi — New Zealand team for Saturday's World Cross Country Championships is here to learn from Kenyans, team leader Rosemary Wright said upon arrival in Mombasa.

"We have already started learning about Kenya. Mombasa people are welcoming and understand what hospitality is. I have travelled a lot, but the welcome we received here was outstanding," said Wright in an interview at Mombasa Beach Hotel.

"We could not believe our eyes, although we were tired, to find smiling faces at the airport as late as 1.00am. We expected to find everyone asleep at that time," said Wright. "The tight security we were accorded from the airport to the hotel made us feel more comfortable and valued," said the team leader.

"I have realised that it is more safer to come to Kenya for holidays. Mombasa deserved to host the games," she said.

Asked about her expectations on Saturday, Wright was quick to say that the world was expecting Kenya to produce the best performance ever.

"Kenya is a great nation when it comes to cross country and if they have been dominating the meet outside their own turf, what do you expect when they are doing the jinx at home?" asked Wright.