KEPSA led the Kenyan private sector at the second U.S. - Kenya Business Roadshow that took place in Chicago and San Francisco, United States of America (U.S) last week. The roadshow, which was organised by the Government of Kenya and the U.S. Embassy in Kenya, focused on attracting investment in both the tech and agriculture sectors. 

KEPSA was represented by the Vice Chair Ms Brenda Mbathi, Director in charge of Food Security & Climate Change, Dr Bimal Kantaria, Director of Ajira Digital and Youth Employment, Dr Ehud Gachugu, and other leaders including Mr Hosea Kili, Dr James Mwangi, Ms Agnes Gathaiya, Mr William Oungo among others.

The roadshow's primary goal in Chicago was to examine prospective agricultural collaboration opportunities between Kenya and the U.S. The forum also provided an opportunity for Venture Capital and Private Equity Firms to scout for investment opportunities in Kenya.

The Chicago forum saw the signing of an agreement by Equity Group and John Deere to finance intelligent tractors for Kenyan farmers that aimed at lowering input costs for agriculture.

Later that week, H.E. President William Ruto was in San Francisco, also known as Silicon Valley, where he pitched to more than 200 investors interested in investing in Kenya’s tech industry. Several Kenyan tech firms accompanied President Ruto in San Francisco.

This second roadshow followed the success of the first-ever U.S.-Kenya Business Roadshow, which took place in New York City in April. During this event, Ambassador Whitman announced six new co-investments totalling $55 million with Kenyan and American apparel companies.