Kenya, US Reaffirm Strong Bilateral Ties in High-Level Talks

By Moses Punyuah, Nairobi 

President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the United States following talks with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau at State House, Nairobi.

The discussions focused on bilateral trade, health cooperation, regional security, and peace efforts across the region.

President Ruto highlighted the Kenya–US Health Cooperation Framework worth KSh208 billion, signed last year, describing it as a landmark government-to-government agreement supporting the delivery of universal healthcare.

“This framework is a signature example of the strong and mutually respectful relationship between Kenya and the United States, and a major boost to our universal healthcare programme,” President Ruto said.

The President noted that trade between the two countries remains balanced and mutually beneficial, with Kenya exporting goods worth $737 million to the US in 2024, while imports from the US stood at $771 million.

He welcomed the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for a further three years, saying it continues to open the US market to Kenyan and African products.

“AGOA has played a significant role in expanding Kenya’s access to the US market, and we welcome its renewal as we advance discussions on a comprehensive trade agreement,” Ruto said.

On regional security, the two leaders discussed cooperation in Haiti, Somalia, and Sudan. President Ruto thanked the US for supporting the transition of the Kenyan-led mission in Haiti into a more robust force and reaffirmed Kenya’s readiness to support humanitarian e

fforts in Sudan.