Nairobi, Tuesday, November 7, 2023: The U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, Ambassador Megan Whitman, paid a significant courtesy call to Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry, CS Rebecca Miano, on Monday, 6th November 2023, at her offices, laying the groundwork for an enhanced collaboration between Kenya and the United States.
In her remarks, Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano highlighted the vital role of a robust partnership between the Ministry and the U.S. Embassy, emphasizing its potential to bolster inbound investments to Kenya and act as a catalyst for increased industrialization and trade promotion. "Our strengthened collaboration with the U.S. is key to unlocking new opportunities for Kenya's economic growth," said CS Rebecca Miano.
Ambassador Whitman, in turn, emphasized Kenya's strategic significance as the gateway to Africa, noting the availability of about 90% electricity from renewable energy and its substantial growth, making it an optimal platform for American trade and investment. She particularly underscored Kenya's potential in global supply chain diversification, citing the apparel sector as a prime example amid supply disruptions triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.
"Kenya presents a compelling case for global supply chain diversification, especially in the wake of recent disruptions. The country's resilience and strategic advantages make it an attractive destination for American businesses," stated Ambassador Whitman.
The discussions delved into specific focus areas for collaboration including:
- Apparel Sector Leveraging Kenya's renewable energy and young population for supply chain diversification.
- Modernization of Agriculture highlighting opportunities in pyrethrum, potatoes, cotton, and solar-powered irrigation and water storage.
- Information Communication Technology (ICT) identifying areas of interest for the U.S. market.
- Improving the Investment Climate: A commitment to creating an environment conducive to investment.
- One-Stop Shop for Investment: Streamlining processes for businesses to enhance ease of doing business.
- Strategic Business Dialogue and Small Business Facilitation
Looking ahead, both the Trade Cabinet Secretary and Ambassador Whitman committed to deepening the strategic business dialogue between Kenya and the U.S., with a specific focus on facilitating small businesses, and leveraging existing relations between the two countries for the mutual benefit of Kenyans and Americans. Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano extended an invitation to businessmen and tourists to witness and enjoy the offerings of Nairobi, now recognized as the world’s best city to visit and invest.
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