Hornpost
Kenyan President Ruto Holds Talks with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State in Nairobi
Nairobi, Kenya (Horn Post) President of the Republic of Kenya H.E. William Samoei Ruto on Tuesday held high-level talks with United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who is on a two-day official visit to Kenya, at State House Nairobi.
According to a statement issued after the meeting, the two leaders discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest, reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening the long-standing partnership between Kenya and the United States, founded on mutual respect and shared strategic interests.
President Ruto highlighted the Kenya–U.S. Health Cooperation Framework signed last year, valued at KSh208 billion, describing it as a landmark agreement and the first of its kind globally under the America First Global Health Strategy. He noted that the government-to-government agreement is expected to significantly boost Kenya’s universal healthcare programme by streamlining service delivery and bypassing traditional NGO intermediaries.
The discussions also focused on trade and economic cooperation. President Ruto welcomed the balanced and mutually beneficial bilateral trade relationship, noting that in 2024 Kenya exported goods worth USD 737 million to the U.S., while U.S. exports to Kenya totaled USD 771 million. He emphasized the importance of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in expanding Kenya’s access to the U.S. market and welcomed the renewal of AGOA for a further three years following its expiration in 2025.
At the bilateral level, Kenya and the United States are progressing discussions on a comprehensive trade agreement, covering areas such as tariff reduction or elimination, digital trade, and investment.
On regional and global security, the two sides reviewed their cooperation on peace and stability initiatives. President Ruto thanked the U.S. government for its support in the transition of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti into a more robust Gang Suppression Force, including the provision of equipment and vehicles.
The leaders also discussed efforts to counter terrorism and violent extremism in Somalia, with Mr. Landau underscoring the need to reassess long-standing strategies and enhance international support for Somalia. Additionally, talks covered the ongoing Sudan civil war, which has resulted in significant loss of life and a deepening humanitarian crisis affecting millions.
President Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s readiness to provide logistical support for humanitarian operations, including the delivery of food, medical supplies, and other essential assistance to affected populations.
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Prepared by:
Hornpost staff reporter
Nairobi Kenya.
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