Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has successfully concluded a US trade mission, opening new opportunities for Kenyan farm exports, financing, and investment partnerships.
The highlight of the mission was a meeting with Gavin Van Der Burgh, CEO of the United States Africa Trade Desk (USATD). Kagwe secured a commitment for Kenyan produce to reach more US retail markets. This deal will increase the visibility of Kenyan products and drive demand across a wider consumer base.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, USATD also pledged financial support to Kenyan exporters. This funding will help sustain larger export volumes and stabilize supply chains. Kagwe noted that the backing is crucial for giving exporters the capacity to scale.
Beyond exports, Kagwe encouraged American investors to put capital into large-scale farming and agro-processing in Kenya. He emphasized wheat, yellow maize, and rice as priority areas. These investments could help Kenya shift from being a net importer to a regional exporter of staple foods, enhancing food security.
In New York, Kagwe met with Mastercard executive vice president Tara Nathan to discuss helping farmers formalize their businesses and access credit. Both parties agreed to explore a centralized Agriculture Information and Resource Centre. This initiative will consolidate farmer data, improve transparency, and unlock tailored financial solutions.
The mission also advanced academic collaboration. Kenyan agricultural colleges will now benefit from partnerships with South Carolina State University 1890 Research & Extension. This partnership will provide training, research, and knowledge exchange on improved crop varieties and extension services, building resilience in Kenyan farming.
A separate Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and the South Carolina African American Chamber of Commerce. The MoU will foster trade, investment, and collaboration between over 15,000 businesses.
Kagwe was joined by a senior private sector delegation, including representatives from MACNUT, KTDA, Tea Board of Kenya, KETEPA, Tropical Nuts, and Kipchimchim Group. Their presence underscores Kenya’s readiness to expand its agricultural footprint in the US market.
