KEPSA LEADS KENYA’S PRIVATE SECTOR IN THE US PRESIDENTIAL-LED BUSINESS FORUM IN ATLANTA

The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) , led by the CEO Ms. Carole Kariuki , Chair Mr. Jaswinder (Jas) Bedi, EBS, MBS. , and Vice Chair (Partnership) Ms. Brenda Mbathi , is leading a string of private sector delegations participating in the Presidential-led Business Forum, happening in Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington, DC, from 19th to 24th May 2024. The forum's primary objective and associated activities are to leverage H.E. President William Ruto’s visit to enhance bilateral trade and investment relations between Kenya and the US.

The proposed activities are designed to provide the private sector with a platform to engage with potential customers, enhancing its international presence. This strategic approach will focus on critical sectors and value chains, including tea, coffee, edible nuts, textiles and apparel, leather and leather products, flowers, fruits, and exotic vegetables, ICT and IT-enabled services, Fintech, Agro-processing, housing, tourism, manufacturing, and investment.

The forum is poised to benefit the private sector significantly. For instance, the program targets major coffee roasters such as Starbucks, McCafe, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Dutch Bros Coffee within the coffee sector. Similarly, for the tea sector, the primary targets include major tea buyers and packers and prominent retail stores such as Walmart, Target, CVS, Ralphs, and Albertson.

Furthermore, the textiles and leather sector will also focus on engaging with major retail stores through thematic business forums and participation in exhibitions to identify high-potential products for the US market. The flower sector and fresh vegetables will target major flower importers such as Circle It, Bloom Nation, and Plants Beyond Borders.

Today, the Diaspora Tech Investment Expo will hold in-depth deliberations on the Kenyan investment climate, available bankable investment opportunities, and the accompanying incentives framework. It aims to catalyze investment in various economic sectors and share opportunities in trade exports such as manufacturing, agro-processing, textiles, pharmaceuticals, sports academies, sporting infrastructure, and creative industries. It will also explore how the Diaspora can expand export trade through their networks. Furthermore, the session will explore various partnerships for tech growth and opportunities in ICT, including the Konza Diaspora Centre, BPO, and skills and technology transfer through summer schools.

On Tuesday, 21st May 2024, H.E. President Ruto will lead a high-level forum. The president will create a space for the private sector to discuss its challenges and successes, highlight Kenya's investment opportunities, and demonstrate Kenya's export potential. The session will focus on navigating the private sector landscape, and a representative of Kenyan Businesses in the US, Atlanta, will give testimonials at the same forum.

KEPSA members from different sectors will also participate in the Prosper Africa event hosted by Ambassador Meg Whitman, with H.E. President Ruto present.

On Wednesday, 22nd May 2024, the president will brief the legislators on the region's dual crises of climate change and conflicts. He will urge Congress to be cognizant of the need for African goods to continue accessing the US markets preferentially and implore Congress to extend the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA). Later, KEPSA members will participate in the Capitol Hill Equity Roundtable.

On Friday, 24th May 2024, KEPSA will lead the Kenyan private sector at a breakfast meeting hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Washington, D.C. The meeting will discuss Improved Trade Relations, Investment Opportunities, and streamlining regulations on US trade policies that affect Kenyan businesses. Later, KEPSA members will spearhead the private sector's participation at the Business Council for International Understanding. The panel discussion will follow a Fireside Chat with the First Lady, Her Excellency Rachel Ruto. The event will convene prominent U.S. and Kenyan government and business leaders to discuss their efforts to support women's digital and financial literacy empowerment in Kenya.

Simultaneously, in Atlanta, Georgia, textiles, apparel, leather, and tea/coffee forums will be conducted to facilitate panel discussions and B2B engagements, further strengthening the ties between Kenya and the US. Overall, the forum is expected to reaffirm Kenya’s favorable investment climate and improved business and investment environment and reassure investors of the safety and security of investments.

Please refer to the attached program for further information regarding KEPSA’s participation in the US Presidential-led Business Forum.