NAIROBI: Kenya and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, with both countries advancing cooperation in trade, investment, healthcare, defence and regional security.
Kenya and the United States have renewed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations following high-level talks in Nairobi focused on expanding economic and strategic cooperation.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr Musalia Mudavadi, held discussions with the visiting United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, during his official visit to Kenya.
The talks centred on expanding trade and investment between the two countries, particularly following the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to 2028 and ongoing negotiations on reciprocal trade arrangements.
The two sides also explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation in the health sector, including efforts to reduce the cost of cancer treatment.
Critical minerals, defence, peace and regional security were among the other key areas discussed during the meeting.
The engagement comes ahead of the Fourth Kenya–United States Bilateral Strategic Dialogue, which Kenya is scheduled to host in December 2026.
Following the discussions, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr Korir Sing’oei, and Assistant Secretary Garcia signed a Bilateral Work Agreement in the presence of Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi.
The agreement establishes a framework allowing eligible dependants of diplomats from Kenya and the United States to seek employment in the country where their diplomatic relatives are serving.
Under the arrangement, eligible dependants of Kenyan diplomats posted to the United States will be able to seek employment there, while qualifying dependants of US diplomats serving in Kenya will have a similar opportunity.
Employment under the agreement will remain subject to the applicable laws and regulations of the receiving country.
The new agreement replaces an earlier arrangement signed in 2021 for a five-year period, which has since lapsed.
Trade and investment remain central to the Kenya-US relationship, with both governments seeking to build on existing economic ties.
The extension of AGOA to 2028 provides Kenya with additional access to the US market while the two countries continue negotiations on reciprocal trade arrangements.
The discussions are expected to support efforts to create new opportunities for businesses and investors while strengthening commercial relations between Nairobi and Washington.
Beyond trade, the two governments are also seeking greater cooperation in strategic areas such as critical minerals, healthcare and security.
Healthcare was another important component of the discussions, with Kenya and the US examining ways to improve health outcomes and reduce the financial burden associated with cancer treatment.
The two countries also discussed defence, peace and regional security, reflecting Kenya’s broader role in efforts to promote stability in the region.
The upcoming Bilateral Strategic Dialogue in December is expected to provide another platform for both countries to review their partnership and identify additional areas of cooperation
Kenya said it remains committed to converting its longstanding diplomatic relationship with the United States into tangible benefits for its citizens.
The government said the partnership should generate greater investment opportunities, stronger businesses, improved healthcare outcomes and enhanced security.
The latest engagement therefore signals an effort by both countries to broaden their relationship beyond traditional diplomatic ties and strengthen cooperation across economic, health, strategic and security sectors.
