On the sidelines of the historic U.S.-Kenya State Visit, high-level government officials and private sector leaders converged at the Dirksen Senate Building, Washington, D.C on 22^nd May 2024 for the Capitol Hill Roundtable where they discussed opportunities to increase two-way trade and public-private partnerships between the United States and Kenya.

Speakers at the roundtable outlined ways in which their agencies and institutions are advancing two-way trade between the U.S. and Kenya and tangible opportunities to deepen economic engagement with the United States and Africa.

In a panel session at the event, the KEPSA CEO Ms. Carole Kariuki outlined strategic approaches developed by the private sector to effectively navigate Kenya's business environment's regulatory and logistical landscape.

“We have played a critical role in enhancing economic relations between Kenya and the United States through various platforms and initiatives. In the past year, KEPSA led the Kenyan private sector in U.S - Africa Trade and Investment Roundtable, which aimed at bolstering direct trade and investment links between U.S. businesses and their Kenyan counterparts, showcasing Kenya as a prime destination for American investors,” Said Ms. Kariuki.

The private sector’s U.S.-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership, initiated in July 2022, seeks to facilitate agricultural trade and improve investment transparency between the two countries. In collaboration with Trademark Africa, KEPSA has worked to unlock policy and legislative hurdles that impact the competitiveness of Kenyan businesses. These efforts focus on improving trading standards and reducing Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs).

By emphasising the enhancement of internal capabilities, private sector members highlighted the importance of addressing both internal and external challenges. This includes training programs and workshops for staff and member organisations to ensure they are well-versed in navigating the regulatory framework and logistical hurdles.

One of KEPSA’s core strategies is to engage in policy advocacy to influence government regulations that impact business operations. This involves dialogues with policymakers to ensure that business interests are considered in legislative processes.  KEPSA members also reiterated their continued advocacy campaign and leveraging the benefits of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to improve Kenyan businesses utilising AGOA for better access to U.S. markets, ensuring that trade benefits are maximised.

Subsequently, the private sector members continue to be actively involved in the P4G initiative, which brings together businesses, government and other stakeholders around sustainable development goals. This will foster innovative financing and business models that facilitate green growth, particularly in areas such as food loss and waste management.

Additionally, the Kenyan private sector noted that Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya and the U.S. have often faced similar challenges, including access to financing, navigating regulatory environments and market penetration strategies. The U.S. companies were urged to be prepared to address these by focusing on developing robust local partnerships and understanding the unique aspects of the Kenyan business. Embracing these can lead to more inclusive and innovative business practices, enhancing the company's appeal to a broader segment of the Kenyan population landscape.

The Kenyan private sector was led by Ms. Carole Kariuki - KEPSA CEO, Mr Jas Bedi – KEPSA Chair; Ms. Brenda Mbathi – KEPSA Vice-Chair; Dr. James Mwangi – Equity Group CEO; Ms. Philana Mugyenyi - Director, Government Affairs & Market Access, Sub-Saharan Africa, GE Healthcare; Ms. Deean Fontaine - Senior Director, Public Affairs and Regulatory, Africa, American Tower; among other business leaders.

The forum was graced by Senator Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) - Chair, Senate Foreign Affairs Committee; Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) – Member, Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA); and Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL).

On the sidelines in Atlanta, the private sector engaged in B2B meetings on matters of Universal Health Coverage, Medical supplies and API-specialised healthcare and localisation of healthcare security needs in Kenya/Africa among other issues.

Meanwhile, H.E. President Dr. William Ruto held talks with members of the U.S Congress and urged them to take the lead in reconfiguring the global financial architecture where power is not in the hands of the few. He noted that a bold, robust and targeted approach will free Africa of the debt burden and transform the world.