Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe meets with United States Africa Trade Desk (USATD) CEO Gavin Van Der Burgh, September 10, 2025. /HANDOUT
Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe has wrapped up a high-profile US agriculture and trade mission that unlocked fresh opportunities for Kenya’s farm exports, financing and investment partnerships.
At the core of the mission was a meeting with United States Africa Trade Desk (USATD) chief executive Gavin Van Der Burgh, where Kagwe secured a commitment for Kenyan produce to reach more US retail markets.
The deal will expand the visibility of Kenyan products on store shelves and stimulate demand across a wider consumer base.
“Importantly, USATD pledged financing support for Kenyan exporters, enabling them to sustain the large export volumes required by expanded retail distribution," a statement from the ministry said.
Kagwe added that the financial backing is crucial to stabilising supply chains and giving exporters the capacity to scale.
Beyond exports, the CS appealed to American investors to channel capital into large-scale farming and agro-processing in Kenya, with a particular focus on wheat, yellow maize, and rice.
He noted that such investments could reposition Kenya from being a net importer to an exporter of staple foods, improving food security and transforming the country into a regional breadbasket.
In New York, Kagwe also held discussions with Mastercard executive vice president Tara Nathan at the Kenya Consulate.
Talks focused on helping farmers formalise their businesses and access credit.
Kenya and Mastercard agreed to explore the creation of a centralised Agriculture Information and Resource Centre to consolidate farmer data, enhance transparency, and unlock tailored financial solutions.
The mission further extended into academic collaboration.
Kenya’s agricultural colleges are set to benefit from new ties with South Carolina State University 1890 Research & Extension.
The partnership will offer training, research, and knowledge exchange on improved crop varieties and extension services, a move Kagwe said would build resilience in Kenyan farming and strengthen the sector’s workforce.
A separate Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the South Carolina African American Chamber of Commerce, representing more than 15,000 businesses.
Signed by KNCCI Diaspora Chair Simon Kariuki Nyagah and SCAACC Chair Stephen Gilchrist, the deal is expected to spur trade, investment linkages, and business collaboration between the two sides.
Kagwe was accompanied by a senior private sector delegation including MACNUT Chair Jane Maigua, Tea Board of Kenya CEO Willy Mutai, KTDA Chair Geoffrey Kirundi and CEO Wilson Muthaura, KETEPA Managing Director John Ngatia, and representatives from Tropical Nuts and Kipchimchim Group, reflecting Kenya’s readiness to expand into the US market.
