Kenya’s digital space has received a significant boost following the recent visit of President William Ruto to the United States, as major collaborations and investments have been unveiled between the two nations.
One of the groundbreaking initiatives announced is the establishment of EDTECH Africa, a partnership between Kenya and the United States, along with Microsoft, Mastercard’s Center for Inclusive Growth, and several renowned Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
This initiative aims to bridge the gap in emerging technology education by facilitating exchanges between African scholars and students from HBCUs, with investments totaling $11.85 million.
In the healthcare sector, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is injecting $14 million into Kenya’s private sector.
“This includes a $10 million loan to Hewa Tele for medical oxygen supply and $4 million in equity investments in Kasha Global, a company catering to the healthcare needs of low-income women.”
Furthermore, Virunga Power, in partnership with Power Africa, announced a $100 million investment in six hydropower projects in Kenya, expected to generate 31 megawatts of clean energy over the next five years, fostering economic growth in rural areas.
The collaboration between the U.S. Department of Energy and the Kenyan Ministry of Energy signifies a commitment to clean energy and carbon management, with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) set to enhance bilateral cooperation in geothermal energy and industrial decarbonization.
In the transportation sector, investments in electric vehicle startups like BasiGo and Roam Electric, totaling $20 million, are set to accelerate Kenya’s transition to zero-emissions vehicles, aligning with President Ruto’s Africa Green Industrialization Initiative.
Additionally, the launch of the MCC-Kenya Urban Mobility and Growth Threshold Program, funded by a $60 million grant, aims to enhance urban mobility in Nairobi while reducing transportation sector emissions.
Moreover, USAID’s expanded support for plastic recycling in Kenya, totaling over $2 million, is expected to create 200 jobs and significantly increase PET plastic recycling in the country.
Today, President Biden welcomed President Ruto for a State Visit and Dinner, marking 60 years of official partnership between the U.S. and Kenya.