NAIROBI, Kenya– The Business Ecosystem Summit (BES) is set to return to Kisumu from August 6–8, 2025, as regional leaders, investors, and development partners converge to unlock investment and business opportunities in the Lake Region.
The second edition aims to catalyse at least Sh1.3 trillion in investment deals, empower over 500 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and ultimately contribute to the creation of 100,000 jobs across Kenya’s western counties.
The event is spearheaded by The IMC People and hosted by the County Government of Kisumu in partnership with the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) a coalition of 14 counties championing economic integration in Kenya’s heartland.
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o emphasized the summit’s importance in promoting regional trade and shared prosperity.
“We are at a point where expansion of regional trade is crucial. Businesses and governments alike need to look beyond the delimitations of local markets and strengthen their ties with others within the region to unlock investment and drive growth,” he said.
This year’s edition will place public-private partnerships at the core of discussions, with counties set to showcase investment-ready projects aligned to their development agendas.
The private sector will also present pitches to potential investors from Kenya, Africa, and beyond.
Jeanette Oromo, CEO of The IMC People, noted the summit’s growing footprint.
“Last time, we had positive participation from county governments, embassies and high commissions, SMEs, local and foreign investors, and even the general public within Kisumu. We aim to grow this impact and leave a lasting effect on the business landscape.”
On bis part,Victor Nyan’gaya, CEO of LREB, who highlighted the strategic timing of the summit ahead of the national Devolution Conference in Homa Bay.
“We see this as an opportunity to further develop LREB member counties and present a roadmap that other counties in Kenya and beyond can follow.”
More than 500 delegates from 23 countries are expected to attend the summit, including representatives from the national government, Parliament, financial institutions, embassies, and development partners.
Sectoral focus areas will include agriculture, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and renewable energy, with a push for cross-border and sustainable collaborations.
The inaugural BES in 2023 attracted 535 delegates, drew 9,000 visitors, and secured KSh 12 billion in investor pledges.
The summit’s momentum helped facilitate Sh52 billion in funding for a pharmaceutical project in Kisumu and contributed to a Sh390 billion memorandum of understanding between the Government of Kenya and Afreximbank for the Dongo Kundu Integrated Industrial Park and Naivasha Special Economic Zone II.
