Theme: Unlocking Vast Opportunities in Trade, Sports, Tourism & Agriculture in Kenya’s Athletic Capital

The Elgeyo Marakwet business community, government leaders, and development partners convened yesterday for a high-level Business Dinner held in preparation for the Elgeyo Marakwet International Business Forum 2025. The dinner, jointly organized by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI) – Elgeyo Marakwet Chapter, the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet, and Kaptagat Integrated, brought together key stakeholders to discuss investment readiness and position the county as a competitive regional hub.

Speakers emphasized unlocking strategic opportunities across agriculture, value addition, sports tourism, hospitality, and trade. The conversations highlighted Elgeyo Marakwet’s unique strengths—including its globally acclaimed athletic heritage—and its readiness to attract local and international investors.

Governor Wesley Rotich reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to creating a conducive investment climate. He noted that security and stability remain top priority as the county expands its outreach to external and international investors. He highlighted new openings in mango, avocado, macadamia, and coffee value chains, emphasizing that the county is proactively seeking partners to drive value addition and agro-industrial growth.

Chief Guest Treasury Principal Secretary Dr. Chris Kiptoo outlined the national government’s investment priorities for the region, citing infrastructure gaps as a major barrier to growth. He announced upcoming plans for improved road connectivity, including the Rironi corridor, which will boost market access for farm produce and enhance tourism flows—particularly in high-altitude sports tourism.

Dr. Kiptoo also applauded the county’s agricultural potential, noting that Elgeyo Marakwet’s mango varieties have one of the highest sugar contents in the country, positioning them favourably for export, juice manufacturing, and pulp production. He urged the county to enhance its global positioning while embedding sustainability in all development initiatives.

KNCCI Ag. CEO  K.K Mutai, in his address, emphasized KNCCI’s commitment to catalyzing investment and strengthening enterprise competitiveness. He reiterated the Chamber’s role in facilitating market linkages, trade missions, SME capacity building, and global partnerships.

“Elgeyo Marakwet is not only Kenya’s athletic capital; it is an emerging investment powerhouse,” he said. “From agriculture and value addition to sports tourism and MSME development, investors will find immense untapped potential here. KNCCI stands ready to support their journey, remove barriers, and connect them to global markets.”

He highlighted opportunities outlined in the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP 2023–2027), including dairy, horticulture, potatoes, apiculture, pyrethrum, and high-value livestock. He further underscored the Chamber’s national programmes in digital skills, e-commerce, export readiness, and SME financing that will benefit county enterprises.

Mutai called on local, regional, and international investors to explore partnerships ahead of the 2025 Summit:

“Elgeyo Marakwet is open for business and KNCCI is your gateway. Together, we can unlock prosperity for this county and build a globally competitive economic model for Kenya.”

The Business Dinner concluded with a renewed commitment among partners to champion investment promotion, strengthen public–private collaboration, and elevate Elgeyo Marakwet as a centre of excellence in trade, sports, tourism, and agriculture.