Representatives from 32 US agribusiness firms [arrived in Kenya on October 30] as part of an American government delegation scouting for trade opportunities.
The US food firms are looking for new and expanded markets in Kenya for their crops. Kenya currently faces food insecurity and also wants to seal a trade deal with Americas.
Nairobi has been pressured by Washington to allow access to its genetically modified (GM) food and crop products and this month gave approval to GM imports, providing a huge market opportunity for American companies.
“I am excited to lead this delegation to foster stronger ties and build economic partnerships between the United States, Kenya and Tanzania as both of these countries present a growing opportunity for US agricultural exports,” said US Deputy Agriculture Secretary Jewel Bronaugh in a statement ahead of the visit.
“This trade mission will provide firsthand knowledge of market conditions and opportunities in East Africa and expand awareness about US agricultural and food products in the region.”
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Kenya seeks to seal the deal before the expiry of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, which allows Sub-Saharan African countries to export thousands of products to the United States without tariffs or quotas until 2025.
