Kenya and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in security, trade, infrastructure development and regional stability.
This followed high-level talks held in Nairobi between Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, and United States Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau.
Speaking during a joint media engagement after the talks, Dr. Mudavadi said the visit by the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State provided an opportunity for the two countries to reaffirm their long-standing partnership and advance dialogue on a wide range of bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.
“In our just concluded meeting, we held constructive discussions on a wide range of bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest. We reviewed the progress made in our cooperation, specifically in trade and investment, energy infrastructure, defence cooperation, and regional peace and security matters, and explored ways of further strengthening the strategic partnership between Kenya and the United States,” Dr. Mudavadi said.
He noted that Kenya and the United States have made significant progress over the years in areas such as trade, investment, peace and security, counter-terrorism, health, education and development cooperation, efforts he said have contributed to regional stability and shared prosperity.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary welcomed progress towards the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for a further three years, describing it as a key milestone in sustaining and expanding Kenya–U.S. trade relations.
“This renewal is an important milestone for Kenya–U.S. trade, and we look forward to continued mutually beneficial trade between our two countries,” he said, noting that AGOA has supported thousands of jobs and expanded access for Kenyan products to the U.S. market.
Dr. Mudavadi further highlighted the recent groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the Manda Bay runway as a landmark symbol of deepening security and development cooperation between Nairobi and Washington.
“The Government of Kenya appreciates the continued support of the United States in strengthening critical infrastructure that enhances operational readiness and shared efforts to promote regional peace and security,” he said, adding that such investments also have positive spillover effects on local development.
He also cited a recognition event honouring Kenyan police officers who served under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti, describing the recognition as an affirmation of Kenya’s leadership role in international peacekeeping.
“This recognition by the United States acknowledges Kenya’s leadership and significant contribution to international peace and stability. It also reflects the strong partnership and mutual respect between Kenya and the United States in advancing global peacekeeping and security efforts,” Dr. Mudavadi said.
The Prime CS emphasised that economic growth and job creation depend on a stable and secure environment, noting that security cooperation is a key enabler of development.
“If you want to create jobs, the region and the country must be secure and stable. That is how you can get productive economic activity,” he said, adding that Kenya’s collaboration with the United States on security issues supports both national and regional economic opportunities.
In his remarks, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau thanked President William Ruto and the Government of Kenya for the warm reception accorded to him, describing Kenya as a key strategic partner for the United States in Africa.
“We are here to underscore the importance that our government gives to its relationship with Kenya and the excellent state of that relationship,” Landau said.
He recalled the 1998 bombing at Nairobi’s August 7 Memorial Park as a poignant reminder of the shared security challenges facing both nations.
“These are not just abstract questions. These are matters that affect life and death for Kenyans and for Americans,” he said, adding that the memorial stands as a lasting symbol of the strong Kenya–U.S. partnership forged in the face of adversity.
Landau emphasised the importance of expanding economic and commercial ties, noting that strong trade and investment relations can serve as a foundation for deeper political and security cooperation.
“We talked about some infrastructure projects, different corridors, Mombasa, and maybe up in Lamu. We are very excited by the possibilities here in Kenya,” he said, adding that American companies can bring capital, expertise and technology to support Kenya’s development agenda.
He also praised Kenya’s leadership in the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, describing the country as an indispensable partner in restoring stability.
“I’m here to thank the Government of Kenya for its critical leadership in the force that is in Haiti now and has prevented that country from falling under the control of criminal gangs,” Landau said.
The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State further observed that investors are unlikely to commit resources to countries where security is uncertain.
“No company is going to invest in a country, bring in factories or create new jobs if they have to be worried about security,” he said, adding that while Kenya has made strong progress in maintaining domestic stability, sustained regional peace remains essential for long-term economic growth.
Addressing concerns over the cost of the Haiti mission to Kenyan taxpayers, Landau disclosed that Kenya took the lead in providing personnel, while the United States assumed the lead role in financial contributions under a United Nations-authorised framework.
“Kenya took the lead in contributing the troops. The United States took the lead in financial contributions,” he said, describing the mission as a historic example of effective bilateral cooperation.
In response, Dr. Mudavadi emphasised that the Haiti mission would not have succeeded without U.S. logistical and financial support, citing the distance involved and the scale of international coordination required.
“The mission would not have worked if there was no collaboration with the United States,” he said, adding that similar cooperation is critical in addressing regional security challenges, counter-terrorism efforts and infrastructure development across the region.
By Naif Rashid
