Kenya shines at US-Africa Connect Conference at MIT
Kenya's Tourism CS Rebecca Miano. Courtesy photo
Kenya emerged as a standout presence at this year’s US-Africa Connect Conference, held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Kendall Square—widely regarded as "the most innovative square mile on earth."
US-Africa Connect is a premier platform fostering strategic engagement between the United States and Africa.
The conference brings together business leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore opportunities in trade, technology, and investment through cross-continental collaboration.
Leading the Kenyan delegation was Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, who was joined by 2025 Boston Marathon champion John Korir and representatives from Farisi Premium Maize Flour—a rising player in global sports nutrition.
In her keynote address, Miano unveiled The Roosevelt Africa Trail, a visionary tourism initiative inspired by the historic 1909–1910 Smithsonian-Roosevelt African Expedition.
The project aims to reimagine East Africa’s tourism through immersive, conservation-centered experiences that blend cultural heritage with historical storytelling.
“This initiative is about connecting past and present in a way that attracts global travelers while preserving our natural and cultural legacy,” Miano said.
She emphasized the trail's potential to boost tourism across Kenya, Uganda, and the wider region, positioning East Africa as a top destination for heritage and eco-tourism.
Kenya’s influence also extended into the realm of athletic innovation through a panel discussion titled Tech Synergies in Global Marathons.
The session featured marathon champion John Korir and his coach Ron Mann, who spotlighted Ugali—the maize-based staple food of East Africa—as a critical performance enhancer for elite athletes.
“Ugali has been a game-changer for me,” Korir told the audience. “It’s not just food; it’s fuel that powers endurance, stamina, and recovery.”
He explained how traditional nutrition, backed by modern training methods, has given East African runners a competitive edge on the world stage.
Joining the panel was Pauline Ndirangu, Chief Financial Officer of Farisi Premium Maize Flour.
Farisi, produced by Kenya’s Farisi Manufacturing Industry Ltd., has gained a reputation for delivering high-performance, nutrient-rich products rooted in African agricultural traditions.
“Farisi is built on a farm-to-finish-line philosophy,” Ndirangu said.
“Our flagship product, Farisi Unga Safi, is made from freshly milled, locally sourced maize and fortified with essential nutrients. We’re proud to honor our roots while meeting the demands of modern athletes.”
She also revealed that the company is working on a new line of Ugali-inspired products targeting international markets.
“We’re taking the best of East Africa’s natural ingredients and transforming them into world-class nutrition solutions,” she said.
“It’s about performance, heritage, and connecting our fields to finish lines across the globe.”
Kenya’s impactful presence at MIT highlighted the country’s commitment to innovation-led diplomacy and strategic partnerships.
From tourism to nutrition and elite athletics, the nation demonstrated how African brands and stories can resonate on the global stage.
The conference reinforced the importance of cross-border collaboration in unlocking new economic opportunities and cultural exchange.
For Kenya, it was not just a moment in the spotlight, but a strategic move to deepen ties, showcase its strengths, and shape future global conversations around Africa’s role in innovation and sustainable development.
