27 Multi-Billion US Investors Fly to Woo Ruto

President William Ruto together with President Joe Biden in the US on September 23, 2022.
President William Ruto together with President Joe Biden in the US on September 23, 2022.
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William Ruto

27 multi-billion company representatives are expected to jet into the country on or before October 31 for trade talks with President William Ruto and other government officials.

The delegation - comprising agricultural exporters-  will be led by deputy agriculture secretary, Jewel Bronaugh. 

In a statement issued by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the team will be seeking to strike deals to have more of their products to Kenyan and Africa at large.

Some of the companies to be represented in the week-long visit deal in food production and export. 

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman on Thursday, October 27, 2022.
Rigathi Gachagua

The delegations will also meet representatives from neighbouring Tanzania under President Samia Suluhu. 

"During the week-long trade mission, US participants will meet with potential importers, processors, and distributors from Kenya and Tanzania, as well as other East African nations, to establish trade relationships and expand opportunities for US agricultural exports. 

"In addition, US federal and state officials will engage with government counterparts on trade-related policies that will advance US interests and strengthen bilateral relations in the region," read the statement in part.

On her part, Bronaugh stated that Kenya was vital in trade as US exporters view the country as an entry point for their products.

“This trade mission will provide first-hand knowledge of market conditions and opportunities in East Africa and expand awareness about US agricultural and food products in the region,” she stated. 

The delegation adds to the list of key US officials the President has met since his inauguration on September 13.

Ruto has previously indicated that his administration sought to strike more trade deals with President Joe Biden's administration, noting that the US had overtaken the UK to become a major trading partner.

At the end of September 2022, America also overtook Uganda as Kenya's leading export market.

In 2021, Kenya imported agricultural products worth Ksh7.2 billion from the US, according to USDA.

President William Ruto speaking after Cabinet Secretaries Swearing in ceremony on Thursday October 27, 2022.
President William Ruto speaking after Cabinet Secretaries Swearing in ceremony on Thursday, October 27, 2022.
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