By Ebi Kesiena
President William Ruto has called on both the private and public sectors in the United States to explore mutually beneficial partnerships with Kenya.
During a meeting with CEOs from Fortune 500 companies on Wednesday, Ruto emphasized that investing in Kenya offers substantial returns, especially in the sectors of renewable energy, housing, manufacturing, agriculture, and ICT.
“Kenya means business. We urge international businesses to capitalize on the 60-year-old Kenya-U.S. relationship, built on shared values of democracy, freedom, and enterprise, to invest in Kenya,” he stated.
Ruto is scheduled to meet with US House Speaker Mike Johnson at the United States Capitol. He will also engage with Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and address the Black Caucus at the Library of Congress.
Washington, D.C., has been bustling with activity, with American and Kenyan flags lining the streets. On Thursday, Ruto will visit the White House for a State Visit.
In Atlanta, Georgia, Ruto encouraged the US business community to invest in Kenya’s diverse opportunities. During his visit to the Coca-Cola Company Headquarters, Coca-Cola announced a Sh23 billion ($175 million) investment over the next five years to expand its operations in Kenya.
“This milestone in Coca-Cola’s presence in Kenya and Africa testifies to the importance of sustaining strong collaboration for mutual growth,” Ruto remarked.
Ruto also visited the New Vivo Fashion Group Retail Store in Atlanta, praising the inclusion of Made in Kenya brands in their stores.
“This embodies the African spirit of businesses supporting each other’s advancement on the global stage,” he said.
At Spelman College, a partnership was signed to enhance student and faculty exchanges, joint research, and innovation, aligning with Kenya’s Silicon Savannah ambitions.
At the CDC Headquarters, Ruto witnessed the signing of MoUs between the CDC and the Kenya Medical Research Institute, the Ministry of Health, and the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. These agreements aim to develop a Sustainability Roadmap for Kenya’s HIV Programme and operationalize the Kenya National Public Health Institute.
Ruto noted that the US has been a key ally in Kenya’s healthcare sector, and he aims to expand this partnership by enhancing infrastructure, research, and local vaccine manufacturing.
