By Bellah Ikida, Mildred Adhiambo and Odhiambo Rueben.
Kisumu is all set to host the upcoming Business Ecosystems Summit (BES) 2025, scheduled to take place on August 6-8, 2025, at the Ciala Resort
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, Dr. Mathew Owili, Deputy Governor of Kisumu County, highlighted the county’s strategic location on the shores of Lake Victoria, making it an ideal hub for regional trade and connectivity.
He said, “Kisumu is strategically located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Kisumu is fast becoming East Africa’s gateway to regional trade.”
He emphasized the county’s commitment to harnessing the potential of the blue economy, including projects in port development, aquaculture, waste management, and renewable energy.
“The blue economy presents transformative opportunities for our county. Lake Victoria is a source of life, trade, innovation, and employment.”said the deputy governor
The summit aims to unite businesses, investors, and policymakers to drive transformational deals, regional unity, and sustainable growth.
It will feature forums, panels, investment matchmaking, and exhibitions, building on the success of the 2023 summit, which facilitated over $400 million in capital flows.
Kisumu County has emerged as a regional economic powerhouse, hosting the inaugural BES Summit in 2023, Africites Summit in 2022, and the Afreximbank’s investment summit AfSNET last year.
The county government has invested in infrastructure, including port development and road connectivity, to revive its role as a major corridor linking the region.
The summit will focus on fostering functional business ecosystems and collaborative investments, providing a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, learn from experts, and explore opportunities for growth and collaboration.
This will also be ground for investment opportunities in key sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing.
The county government is committed to transparency and stakeholder engagement, setting the stage for a successful summit that promises to drive economic growth and development in the region.
With over 2,000 participants expected from 23 countries, the summit is poised to be a game-changer for Kenya’s economy.
During the press briefing the Deputy Governor was joined by key county officials, including Farida Salim, County Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, and Tourism; Kenneth Onyango, County Minister for Agriculture; the organisers; Jeanette Oromo and Richard Oluoch from the IMC Ltd, Israel Ogina from the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI); and representatives from the Lake Region Economic Bloc .