Kenya and the United States have reaffirmed their strong bilateral partnership, focusing on trade, health, and regional peace and security.
On January 28, 2026, President William Ruto held a meeting at State House in Nairobi with United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who was on a two-day visit to Kenya, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
The discussion highlighted ongoing collaboration in sectors including health, trade, security, and humanitarian assistance.
Kenya Strengthening Bilateral Trade with the US
President Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the US, which is built on mutual respect and shared interests.
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“Pleased that our bilateral trade is also mutually beneficial and balanced, giving the private sector many opportunities to do business and thrive. In 2024, Kenya exported goods worth $737 million to the US, while the US bought goods worth $771 million from Kenya,” said President Ruto.
He welcomed the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which expired in 2025, for another three years. AGOA allows thousands of African goods to enter the U.S. market duty-free and quota-free, and also allows increased trade in Kenya and other countries.
The two countries are also making progress on a comprehensive trade agreement covering issues such as tariff reduction, digital trade, and investment promotion.
Kenya’s Health Cooperation Framework
President Ruto also lauded the recently signed Kenya–U.S. Health Cooperation Framework valued at KSh 208 billion.
In a statement, Ruto assured that the Kenyan government is making steps in achieving the Universal Health Program, unlike traditional NGO intermediaries.
“We noted last year’s KSh208 billion Kenya-US Health Cooperation Framework, the first in the world under the America First Global Health Strategy and pointed out that it is a signature example of the excellent ties between our two countries and governments. The agreement is a government-to-government deal that is a major shot in the arm for the delivery of our universal healthcare programme and bypasses traditional NGO intermediaries,” added president Ruto.
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Promoting Regional Peace and Security
The leaders also discussed regional peace initiatives, including the transition of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti.
“We appreciated Kenya-US cooperation in regional and global peace and security issues. Thanked the U.S. for 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 the necessary equipment and vehicles,” Ruto said.
The US Secretary also thanked the Kenyan government for its efforts in bringing peace and stability to Haiti.
Among the countries that have greatly contributed to Haiti is Kenya, by offering its police to fight the gangs in Haiti.
“One of the major reasons why I am here is to thank the people and government of Kenya for the immense contribution you have made to international stability, especially in Haiti and more so in other regions in Africa and beyond,” said Landau.
Prime CS also emphasized the need to collaborate with other partners, including the United Nations and the U.S. government, to bring in peace and stability in the region.
The discussion also covered security matters related to combating terrorist threats in Somalia.
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