Governor Lusaka and Israeli Ambassador Michael Lotem Explore Agricultural and Innovation Partnerships
Ambassador Lotem, a seasoned diplomat with a track record of promoting Israel-Kenya relations, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership.
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka meets Israeli Ambassador Michael Lotem to boost economic ties. Photo/Governor Lusaka.
By Robert Assad
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka held a high-level meeting with the Israeli Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Michael Lotem, at the Israeli Embassy in Gigiri on Tuesday, aiming to strengthen ties between Bungoma County and Israel in key economic sectors.
The discussions, which centered on agriculture, agribusiness, renewable energy, and innovation, underscored a shared commitment to fostering sustainable development and economic growth through collaborative ventures.
Governor Lusaka, known for his proactive approach to advancing Bungoma’s agricultural potential, emphasized the county’s readiness to partner with Israeli businesses to enhance value addition in agribusiness.
The meeting explored market opportunities for Bungoma’s renowned coffee, poultry products, and avocados, which are increasingly gaining traction in global markets.
Lusaka highlighted the potential for joint ventures between Bungoma’s local entrepreneurs and Israeli investors, noting that such collaborations could unlock new avenues for trade and innovation.
Ambassador Lotem, a seasoned diplomat with a track record of promoting Israel-Kenya relations, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership.
He pointed to Israel’s expertise in precision agriculture, renewable energy, and technological innovation as areas where Bungoma could benefit significantly.
“Israel is eager to share its knowledge and technology to support Bungoma’s agricultural sector, particularly in creating sustainable value chains for coffee, poultry, and avocados,” Lotem stated, referencing Israel’s successful agricultural models as a blueprint for collaboration.
The discussions also touched on renewable energy initiatives, with both leaders acknowledging the need for innovative solutions to address energy challenges in rural areas like Bungoma.
Lusaka, who has previously championed sustainable development in his county, expressed interest in adopting Israeli technologies to improve energy access and efficiency for local farmers.
In attendance were key Bungoma County officials, including County Secretary William Nasongo, CECM for Roads Bonventure Chengeck, and Catherine Cheng’oli, who oversees Resource Mobilization, Partnerships, and Investment for the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) in Bungoma.
Their presence underscored the county’s commitment to actionable partnerships that drive economic progress.
This meeting marks a significant step in deepening Bungoma-Israel relations, building on Kenya’s broader diplomatic ties with Israel, which have historically included cooperation in agriculture and technology.
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