On 11^th October 2022, KEPSA co-hosted a B2B forum in collaboration with the Embassy of the Czech Republic. The event, which was hosted at the Czech Republic Ambassador's Residence, provided an opportunity for the Kenyan private sector to learn about the newest practices in the agricultural sector and to network with the visiting Czech Republic counterparts.

The forum was graced by H.E Martin Klepetko – Czech Republic Ambassador to Kenya and attended by Mr Harrison Ngatia – KEPSA Head of SME Development and Ms Marta Anna Ledgard - Head of Economic and Commercial Section among other representatives from the private sector organisations of both Kenya and Czech Republic.

In his opening remarks, H.E Martin Klepetko wished participants successful partnerships ahead of the engagements.  H.E Klepetko added that the Embassy was keen on having more partnerships between Kenyan and Czech businesses. "We want to see you next time doing business. From the conservation I have had this morning is that some of the companies represented here have already started their production facilities in Kenya.” He said.

Speaking at the event, Mr Harrison Ngatia noted that KEPSA in conjunction with different partners regularly provides similar platforms for its members to engage in high-level forums to spur trade and investments and unlock different opportunities based on members' interests. Mr Ngatia also took the opportunity to welcome the visiting team to Kenya while noting that KEPSA remains committed to offering support to investors and networking opportunities to its members through such forums.

Participants from Kenya and the Czech Republic later engaged in a B2B session with an aim of establishing new business relationships, wide connections and exploring business deals.

The visiting delegation from the Czech Republic comprised representatives from organisations that deal in precision farming; Smart Irrigation; Large scale farmers looking for tractors and tractor components; Dairy Feed manufacturers and Dairy Farmers; Poultry breeding and Incubation; and Veterinarians.

According to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade, Kenya's exports to the Czech Republic were US$478.28 Thousand, while Czech Republic exports to Kenya averaged US$20.3 Million in the year 2021 alone. Kenya exports to the Czech Republic include coffee, cut flowers, fruit, and vegetables While imports to Kenya from the Czech Republic consist mainly of steel rods, glass beads, aircraft and their spare parts, instruments and carpets, forklifts, pharmaceuticals products, surgical equipment’s, lathes and agricultural inputs as well as Skoda vehicles.