City businessman James Wanjohi hosts Brazilian senator for investment talks in health tech and agriculture

Brazilian Senator José Gonçalves Oliveira of Pará, the largest state in Brazil by landmass, has arrived in Kenya to lead high-stakes discussions around a landmark $40 billion investment package in health technology and agriculture.

Senator Oliveira's arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) was met with a ceremonious welcome by Danson Mungatana, Chairman of the African Congress Delegation in South Africa and Senator representing Tana River County.

The visit is a significant diplomatic and economic engagement, initiated courtesy of prominent Kenyan businessman James Wanjohi Njoroge.

The investment talks are part of Brazil’s strategic push to expand its footprint in East Africa through high-impact sectors. If successful, the deal could be among the largest foreign direct investment (FDI) packages in Kenya’s recent history, particularly in vital sectors that align with the country’s Vision 2030 development goals.

Senator Oliveira's visit was made possible by Wanjohi, a key figure in regional trade relations and a dual officeholder at the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and the East African Chamber of Commerce.

Wanjohi, who also oversees a major business enterprise in Brazil, has been at the forefront of driving trade collaboration between Brazil and East Africa.

“Senator Oliveira’s presence here is not just diplomatic—it’s a signal of real economic intent,” said Wanjohi. “This is about jobs, technology, and sustainable partnerships. We are positioning East Africa as a hub for innovation and agricultural excellence.”

During his multi-day itinerary, Senator Oliveira is expected to meet with senior government officials, private sector stakeholders, and development partners. Among his high-level engagements will be a courtesy call to KNCCI President Dr. Eric Ruto, where discussions will center on health-tech innovation, agribusiness modernization, and public-private partnerships.

The visit also includes a scheduled diplomatic extension to Uganda next week, further reinforcing Brazil's growing interest in regional economic integration.

Both Brazil and Kenya share complementary strengths: Brazil as a global leader in tropical agriculture and biohealth technologies, and Kenya as a rising regional economic powerhouse with a tech-savvy population and fertile lands. The proposed investment seeks to harness these synergies, offering mutual growth opportunities.

Senator Oliveira noted, “Africa, and particularly Kenya, represents the future. There’s a strong alignment of vision between our nations, and we are here to build partnerships that will endure.”

This initiative is expected to create thousands of jobs, improve healthcare delivery through tech-driven systems, and boost agricultural productivity with Brazilian expertise and technology transfer.

Wanjohi, known for his trusted relationships with President William Ruto of Kenya and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, has emphasized that this visit could redefine the economic narrative between Latin America and East Africa.

The world will be watching closely as talks unfold, with expectations high that this ambitious investment package could pave the way for a new era of South-South cooperation.