President William Ruto says Kenya is open for trade and investments, highlighting the country’s robust opportunities for both local and global companies.

Speaking on Thursday at the American Chamber of Commerce Summit in Nairobi, the head of state mentioned radical but attractive transformation measures in the trade and investment regime, including the establishment of Special Economic Zones, enhancing Kenya’s global appeal.

“All major brands in need of an African foothold start in Kenya. This has led to a steady rise in Kenya’s global appeal,” he said.

Leaders present were United States Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, Kenya Investment and Trade Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, US Ambassador to Kenya Met Whitman and representatives of many American and Kenyan companies and government officials.

Ruto outlined the numerous opportunities in agriculture, banking and finance, construction, mining, blue economy, human capital development renewable energy and the digital economy among others.

He spoke of a paradigm shift in the way the world views Africa, saying the old narrative of Africa as a place of challenges has been debunked.

Instead, he pointed out that Africa is appropriately being seen as a continent of opportunities and solutions where investment would give a good return on investment.

The president also highlighted Kenya’s cordial relations with the United States and the government’s aim of eradicating poverty through the Bottom Up Economic Agenda, aligning with shared values of democracy and trade.