CCA Special Events on the Sidelines of United Nations General Assembly: U.S. - Kenya Business and Investment Breakfast Forum with H.E. President William Ruto

During the Corporate Council on Africa’s U.S.-Kenya Business and Investment Roundtable on September 23, 2024, in New York, President William Ruto underscored major investment opportunities for U.S. businesses in Kenya. He highlighted key sectors, including healthcare, renewable energy, agriculture, and digitalization, as areas ripe for collaboration and significant growth. In healthcare, President Ruto highlighted Kenya’s shift toward preventive care and the need for investments in healthcare infrastructure, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and private hospitals. He cited partnerships with companies like Siemens and GE and encouraged further investment in specialized services like cancer centers. For renewable energy, the President reaffirmed Kenya’s goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2031, with 90% of the current energy grid already powered by sources like geothermal, wind, and solar. He invited U.S. companies to help close gaps in renewable energy development and decarbonize manufacturing.

In agriculture, President Ruto pointed to the growing need for Smart Agriculture and new crop varieties due to climate change. He encouraged investment in modern farming technologies and value chains like tea, coffee, and the blue economy, and emphasized Kenya’s trade opportunities through local manufacturing for export to both the U.S. and Africa.

On digitalization, Ruto shared Kenya’s success in expanding online government services, growing from 320 services two years ago to 21,000 today. Kenya is also expanding its fiber optic network to 100,000 kilometers, aiming to connect key institutions, promote e-commerce, and transition toward a paperless government. He highlighted competition in the digital space, with global players like Elon Musk’s companies entering Kenya, further driving innovation. President Ruto also announced that Kenya will co-host the World Chamber Federation Africa Summit in April 2025, a platform for global and African business leaders to explore investment opportunities.

President Ruto concluded by emphasizing Kenya’s democratic stability, strong legal framework, and protections for investors, assuring foreign businesses of a secure environment for long-term investments