Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary, Senator Mutahi Kagwe, has concluded a successful agriculture and trade mission in the United States.
The tour opened new opportunities for Kenya’s exports, financing, and large-scale investments.
At the centre of the visit was a high-level meeting with United States Africa Trade Desk (USATD) CEO Gavin Van Der Burgh.
Kagwe secured a commitment for Kenyan produce to access more US retail markets, with USATD pledging financing support for exporters.
“This financial backing is vital to stabilise supply chains and empower exporters to scale,” Kagwe said.
He urged American investors to consider large-scale farming and agro-processing ventures in Kenya, particularly in wheat, yellow maize, and rice.
According to the CS, such investments could shift Kenya from being a net importer to an exporter of key staples, boosting food security and positioning the country as a regional breadbasket.
In New York, Kagwe met Tara Nathan, Executive Vice President of Mastercard, at the Kenya Consulate. Discussions focused on enabling farmers to register as businesses and gain access to credit.
To achieve this, Kenya and Mastercard will explore establishing a centralized Agriculture Information and Resource Centre (AIRC) to consolidate farmer data, promote transparency, and unlock tailored financial solutions.
Kenya’s agricultural colleges will also benefit from new academic and research partnerships.
A collaboration with South Carolina State University 1890 Research & Extension will support training, knowledge exchange, and crop research. Kagwe noted the partnership would strengthen Kenya’s ability to produce resilient crops and build a skilled workforce.
The mission also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and the South Carolina African American Chamber of Commerce (SCAACC), representing more than 15,000 businesses.
The agreement, signed by KNCCI Diaspora Chair Simon Kariuki Nyagah and SCAACC Chair Stephen Gilchrist, is expected to enhance trade and investment links.
Kagwe was accompanied by a high-level private sector delegation, including MACNUT Chair Jane Maigua, Tea Board of Kenya CEO Willy Mutai, KTDA Chair Geoffrey Kirundi and CEO Wilson Muthaura, KETEPA MD John Ngatia, and leaders from Tropical Nuts and Kipchimchim Group.
Their presence highlighted Kenya’s private sector readiness to seize the new US opportunities.
