•Uhuru said the partnerships will unlock the huge trade potential that exists between the two countries.
•The President invited American SMEs to invest in Kenya by having mutually beneficial arrangements with their Kenyan counterparts.
Image: PSCU
President Uhuru Kenyatta has called for increased partnerships between Kenyan and American Small and Medium Enterprises.
Speaking while addressing the US Chamber of Commerce Global Leaders’ Forum on Economic Recovery on Tuesday evening, the president said the partnerships will unlock the huge trade potential that exists between the two countries.
He said American corporates are in Kenya, but they don’t have the capacity to drive inclusive growth like SMEs.
"This is where the real opportunity lies. This is not to say that we are telling the big boys not to come in, they are already here," Uhuru said.
Uhuru invited American SMEs to invest in Kenya by having mutually beneficial arrangements with their Kenyan counterparts, insisting that they have the capacity to change livelihoods at the grassroots level.
He added that Kenya provides a ready market for US products, and has an expanding economy supported by an innovative and highly skilled young labour force that is ready to absorb American investments and technology.
"I believe this is a mutually beneficial relationship that offers investment opportunities with great returns for American companies while at the same time offering job opportunities to Kenyans," he said.
Uhuru reassured Kenya’s commitment to the free trade agreement with the United States saying that he is keen on concluding negotiations on the same.
The Head of State also talked about the measures the country has taken to address the issue of climate change.
"Kenya is utilizing mobile phone technologies to boost environmental conservation and agricultural productivity efforts by sharing of information on smart farming practices, better soil management and water conservation practices with farmers," Uhuru said.
The president said the African Continental Free Trade Area, arrangement has brought together making the continent an attractive investment destination for American businesses.
He also called for increased availability of vaccines to African countries.
US Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Myron Brilliant assured President Uhuru Kenyatta of the association's support for the Kenya-US free trade agreement negotiations and the country's Covid-19 containment efforts.
"We support Kenya in combating the pandemic (Covid-19), and support your efforts in enhancing trade and investment opportunities," Brilliant said.