Kenya: U.S. Investors to Seek County Deals

A group of US investors attending the sixth Global Entrepreneurship Summit have expressed interest in seeking business opportunities and partnerships outside Nairobi.

The investors who arrived in the country on Monday, five days ahead of this weekend's summit, have held forums with the business community in Nairobi.

Led by the US National Business League, the team of 20 said it will visit Mombasa, Nakuru and possibly Baringo and Bomet counties.

Speaking to the Star, the organisation's vice president Malcolm Beech said the team will also hold talks with the Konza Technopolis Development Authority management, before jetting out of the country early next week.

According to Beech, American companies are seeking investment opportunities in real estate, infrastructure and energy among other areas.

"This is a great week to do business with Kenya. We have come to find joint ventures," said Beech noting that US president Barrack Obama's visit will also play a major role in spurring US-Kenya bilateral ties.

Meanwhile, the investors have challenged Kenya's Small and Medium-sized Enterprises to develop cooperatives, which will help them easily sell their products in the US market.

"Most SME's cant find their way into the American market as individuals but if they form cooperatives, it will be easier for them to set foot in other global markets. They will be able to work together to meet international standards and have constant supply of their products in the market," said Beech.

"There are areas with a lot of potential like the textile industry that Kenyans can benefit in by exporting to America. America is a big market," he added.