At the high-level Kenya-US Investment Forum held on 22nd September 2025, KEPSA, in partnership with the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA), Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest), and the Government of Kenya, advanced Kenya–U.S. trade, investment, and economic collaboration, particularly the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

The private sector delegation was led by the KEPSA CEO Carole Kariuki. Present in the delegation were KEPSA's Chair Jas Bedi, Vice Chair Brenda Mbathi, and members, including CEOs of Safaricom and KCB Bank.

Speaking while setting the context for the panel discussion on "Financing ecosystem for investment projects in Kenya", Ms Kariuki noted that the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has been the single most effective U.S. policy tool in Africa over the last 25 years. It has supported industries, created jobs, and transformed lives.

In 2024, Kenya exported $470 million worth of apparel to the U.S., supporting 66,800 direct jobs – three-quarters of them women. That is nearly 800,000 livelihoods dependent on AGOA.

For America, AGOA delivers $200–250 million in annual consumer savings by keeping costs low for everyday products like jeans and uniforms, new supply chains at a time when diversification from China is a national priority, strategic stability in Sub-Saharan Africa – ensuring that economic growth reduces conflict and extremist vulnerabilities, and jobs in America – in logistics, retail, and distribution of African imports.

KEPSA called for AGOA's renewal for 16 years. If not, a two-year transition window to allow for a trade deal between Kenya and the US. This will safeguard jobs for both Kenya and the US, ensure continuity, investor confidence, and deeper U.S.-Kenya ties beyond AGOA.

The panel discussion was moderated by Paul C. Ansah, Partner, Albright Stonebridge Group, with panellists including Jas Bedi, Chairman, Kenya Private Sector Alliance; Paul Russo, Group CEO, KCB; Garth Klintworth, Chief Representative Officer, U.S., ABSA; Mateo Goldman, Senior Vice President, Investments, USDFC; and George Olaka, CEO, ARISE IIP.

As advocacy on AGOA continues, KEPSA has engaged the Parliament of Kenya, and Hon. Jane Kagiri has taken the matter and had the motion mentioned, which has now been tabled for discussion. Engaging the Parliament of Kenya to also lobby for AGOA's extension is part of KEPSA's advocacy.

Notably, H.E. President William Ruto too has been pushing the same in the U.S. and yesterday raised the issue of extension with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

During the KEPSA forum on Monday, President Ruto also underscored that Kenya is open and ready for business. While urging expansion of the already strong partnership between Kenya and the United States, he highlighted Kenya's solid fundamentals, including low inflation, stable exchange rates, dependable connectivity, green energy, a growing digital market, and world-class talent.

As Africa's sixth-largest economy, Kenya offers access to a $3.5 trillion African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a natural gateway to East and Central Africa and to a market of 1.4 billion people. Already home to over 150 American firms and landmark U.S.-backed projects in clean energy and technology, Kenya continues to position itself as Africa's hub for trade, finance, and innovation. It is a natural gateway to the continent and has access to massive markets via its apparel sourcing industry.

Kenya's "Silicon Savannah" has attracted over $300 million in tech investment, supported by 44M+ mobile broadband users, a booming fintech sector, and a dynamic BPO industry. In renewable energy, Kenya already generates 90% of its electricity from green sources, aiming for 100% by 2030. In manufacturing and agro-processing, strong potential exists for value addition, enabling the country to shift from raw exports to world-class finished goods.

Looking ahead, KEPSA will continue to engage its Members, the Government and development partners, to implement strategies that will continue to realise an enabling business environment that delivers Kenya's global competitiveness, while actively providing linkages for Kenya and U.S businesses to increase trade and investments.