Ruto to Address U.S.-Kenya Business Roadshow in San Francisco

By Samuel Ouma

Kenyan President William Ruto will address major US technology companies and investors on September 15 during a US-Kenya Business Roadshow in San Francisco, United States.

Some of the companies include  Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, Kyosk, and SunCulture.

The roadshow is being coordinated by the United States Government's Prosper Africa project and the United States Embassy in Kenya.

It draws attention to Kenya's burgeoning IT sector's commercial and investment opportunities.

The event is a stop on a three-city U.S.-Kenya Roadshow trip that highlights prospects for businesses interested in expanding to and investing in Kenya.

Dubbed the Silicon Savannah, Kenya has developed a thriving tech sector. It can potentially establish itself as Africa's preferred destination for tech sector investment and innovation.

"The technology ecosystem in Kenya is already thriving, with one of the highest rates of venture capital investment on the continent," said the U.S. Government’s Prosper Africa initiative.

"While venture capital flows decreased by 35 percent globally last year, total funding in Africa increased by 8 percent. In Kenya, investment increased by 33 percent, one of the highest growth rates on the continent."

The United States roadshow began on April 25 in New York City, emphasising the garment industry, then moved to Chicago on September 13 to promote agri-business, and completed this week in San Francisco.

Each visit included various panel discussions, business matchmaking, and networking opportunities.

Following the roadshow, the Kenyan leader will attend the 78th United Nations General Assembly session in New York City.