The United States has reaffirmed its strong bilateral partnership with Kenya, particularly regarding trade relations, including progress toward a trade agreement that could reshape tariffs, digital commerce and investments between the two nations.
This followed a meeting between President William Ruto and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on Thursday, January 29, at the statehouse, where the two leaders reviewed trade ties and strategic cooperation.
At the meeting, Ruto noted that Kenya remains committed to strengthening its relationship with the U.S., which he described as being built on mutual respect and shared interests.
“Met United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who is on a two-day visit to Kenya, at the State House, Nairobi. We discussed various bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest. Pleased that our bilateral trade is also mutually beneficial and balanced, giving the private sector many opportunities to do business and thrive,” Ruto stated.
The meeting revealed that in 2024, Kenya exported goods worth over Ksh 95 billion to the United States, while the United States exported goods worth around Ksh 99 billion to Kenya.
President Ruto also welcomed the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for an additional three years after its expiry in 2025, citing the program’s role in expanding duty-free and quota-free access for Kenyan goods to the U.S. market.
Kenya and the U.S. are also advancing discussions on a comprehensive trade agreement, with talks focusing on tariff reductions, digital trade rules, and investment facilitation. Ruto said the deal could open new opportunities for Kenyan manufacturers, farmers, and technology firms.
Beyond trade, the two sides discussed healthcare cooperation, with the head of state noting that a government-to-government agreement is expected to strengthen Kenya’s universal healthcare program by bypassing traditional NGO intermediaries.
Regional and global security cooperation also featured in the discussions as Ruto thanked the U.S. for its support in transitioning the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti into a more robust Gang Suppression Force, including the provision of equipment and vehicles.
Landau emphasized the need to reassess long-standing strategies against terrorism and violent extremism after more than two decades of conflict.
They also deliberated on the Sudan civil war, which has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, leaving millions in need of food, water and medical supplies. Kenya reiterated its readiness to provide logistical support for humanitarian assistance.
For Kenya, the meeting opens opportunities for expanded exports and potential tariff reductions through a trade agreement and continued access to the U.S. market through the AGOA framework. For the U.S., Kenya is seen as a potential and reliable strategic partner in Africa.