Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Senator Mutahi Kagwe, has concluded a highly successful U.S. trade and agriculture mission a journey that could be a game changer for Kenyan farmers, agri-businesses, and exporters.
During his visit, CS Kagwe met with key U.S. stakeholders, entering into collaborations to open up American markets to Kenyan agri-products, access finance for exporters, and promotion of investment in Kenya’s food production base.
Unlocking U.S. Markets with USATD Support
One of the main highlights of the mission was a tactical session with United States Africa Trade Desk (USATD) CEO Gavin Van Der Burgh.
The meeting ended with a solid commitment by USATD to provide more visibility for Kenyan farm produce on American supermarket shelves a step that can increase demand for Kenyan produce significantly.
More significantly, USATD pledged funding assistance to Kenyan exporters, recognizing that capital access is generally the gap in boosting farm trade. Kagwe termed this financial assistance “a game changer” that would provide stabilized supply chains and give exporters the boost they need to expand.
“Our farmers can feed the world all they need is support, access, and opportunity,” Kagwe told American partners.
Inviting American Investors to Kenyan Soil
Kagwe also took the opportunity to promote Kenya as a destination for investments in large-scale farming and agro-processing. He specifically targeted American agribusinesses to explore opportunities in wheat, yellow maize, and rice key staples that Kenya is still importing in large quantities.
“Part of investing in these crops isn’t just good business; it’s helping solve food insecurity,” Kagwe said. “We want to be independent and eventually a net exporter. The opportunity is available we just need the right partners.”
Mastercard Partnership to Empower Small Farmers
In New York, Kagwe met with Tara Nathan, Mastercard’s Executive Vice President, for talks that revolved around the financial inclusion of Kenyan farmers. The two discussed intentions to empower farmers to formalize their businesses, register as companies, and access credit more easily.
To enable this, the government and Mastercard are considering establishing a centralized Agriculture Information and Resource Centre (AIRC).
This online hub would source and manage farmer information, ensuring transparency and enabling financial institutions to offer tailored solutions to smallholder farmers.
This is about giving farmers the tools and dignity they deserve,” Kagwe said. “If they are able to access credit, they can grow. And if they grow, the whole country benefits.”
Education and Research Partnership with U.S. Institutions
The mission also focused on long-term capacity-building through education. A new partnership with South Carolina State University’s 1890 Research & Extension program will open up opportunities for academic exchange, research collaboration, and training on resilient crop breeds and modern farming techniques.
“This kind of collaboration strengthens our entire agricultural ecosystem,” said Kagwe. “It ensures we’re not just solving today’s problems but preparing for tomorrow’s challenges.”
Building Business Bridges
In advancing deeper trade relationships, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the South Carolina African American Chamber of Commerce (SCAACC), which is more than 15,000 American businesses. The MoU will provide cross-border business engagement, investment, and trade.
The MoU was signed by KNCCI Diaspora Chair Simon Kariuki Nyagah and SCAACC Chair Stephen Gilchrist, the latter having been nominated to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Kenya’s Private Sector Shows Up
CS Kagwe did not undertake this mission single-handedly. He was supported by a strong Kenyan private sector team consisting of chiefs from MACNUT, Tea Board of Kenya, KTDA, KETEPA, Tropical Nuts, and Kipchimchim Group.
They arrived in a gesture of unity and a determination to fully exploit the new opportunities on offer in the U.S. market.
This visit wasn’t about meetings it was about building true bridges,” Kagwe said. “Now it’s time to cross them.”.
