On 15^th September 2023, KEPSA led the Kenyan private sector at the U.S. - Africa Trade and Investment Roundtable held during the second U.S. - Kenya Business Roadshow at the Silicon Valley in San Francisco, California, U.S. The Kenyan delegation was led by H.E President Dr William Ruto in a forum that was organized by Prosper Africa in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy to Kenya.

KEPSA was represented by Ms Brenda Mbathi - Vice Chair, Mr Ben Roberts - Chair of ICT Sector Board, Dr Ehud Gachugu - Director of Ajira Digital and Youth Employment together with Dr James Mwangi, Mr Hosea Kili, Ms Agnes Gathaiya, Mr William Oungo among others business leaders.

In her introductory remarks, Ms British A. Robinson - Coordinator for Prosper Africa, noted that the African continent offers growth and scale, abundant resources, a tech-savvy youth culture, a commitment to building climate-resilient infrastructure, and a reputation for leap-frogging productivity.

“In recognition of Africa's digital ecosystems massive potential, the U.S. government recently announced a new presidential initiative - Digital Transformation for Africa. Under this initiative, my office, Prosper Africa, launched the African Tech for Trade Alliances to accelerate e-commerce and digital trade to address legal, regulatory and logistical bottlenecks,” added Ms Robinson.

In a presentation on Why Africa, Why Kenya, H.E Meg Whitman - U.S. Ambassador to Kenya noted that Kenya is the leading destination for venture capital in Africa. She said that in 2022, the venture capital in Africa increased by 8% with Kenya registering a 33% increase, one of the highest on the continent.

“The Kenyan Government has made great strides and is committed to creating a business-friendly environment. But if it is to accomplish this goal, the government will have to address a few items and the very first is taxes. Kenya must have a consistent, transparent and fairly administered national tax policy to attract and retain foreign direct investment and accelerate economic growth.” noted Ambassador Whitman.

In his keynote remarks, H.E President Dr. William Ruto noted that for technology to play its role as the great equalizer, it must be supported through investment to become widely available and working between government and the private sector was a necessity, if not an imperative. “I am persuaded that the most consequential breakthrough in technological innovation will take place in the East African Savannah when global tech leadership, together with foreign direct investment converge upon Africa to youthful human capital, natural resources and green energy potential.”

The forum featured a panel discussion on Kenya’s capacity in the tech sector. The panel, which was hosted by Ambassador Whitman, included Mr Anthony Hall - Entrepreneur, Mr Brad Smith – Vice President of Microsoft, Mr Oliver Jenkyn - Global President for Visa and Mr Okendo Lewis – Founder & Chair of Harambeans. Mr Sitoyo Lopokoiyit - CEO of M-PESA also showcased the mobile app’s innovation and financial inclusion journey.