Posted on :Thursday , 12th February 2026

The United States and Kenya have reaffirmed their strong bilateral partnership, with a renewed focus on expanding trade relations and moving forward with negotiations for a comprehensive trade agreement that could drastically alter investment flows, digital commerce and tariffs between the two nations.

President William Ruto and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who is now in Kenya on a two-day official visit, held high-level discussions after this. The conference, which took place on January 29 at State House in Nairobi, was centered on resolving urgent regional and international concerns, improving strategic cooperation and fortifying trade links. President Ruto reaffirmed Kenya's dedication to fortifying ties with Washington, characterizing the alliance as one based on respect for one another, shared ideals and shared security and economic interests.

"During his two-day visit to Kenya, I met Christopher Landau, the deputy secretary of state for the United States, at the State House in Nairobi. Numerous regional and bilateral topics of shared interest were covered. I am happy that our bilateral trade continues to be balanced and mutually beneficial, providing the private sector with a wide range of business opportunities to prosper," President Ruto stated.

According to discussions, commerce between the two nations is still largely equal. A steady and profitable commercial partnership was demonstrated in 2024 when Kenya sold items worth over Ksh95 billion to the United States and Ksh99 billion to the United States. The decision to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for three more years after its 2025 expiration was also hailed by President Ruto. He pointed out that the program has been essential in allowing Kenyan goods to enter the U.S. market duty-free and quota-free, thereby promoting local businesses, job development and export expansion.

In addition to AGOA, talks between the US and Kenya are moving forward on a comprehensive trade agreement that would modernize bilateral trade. Tariff reductions, rules governing digital trade and investment facilitation are anticipated to be the main topics of discussion. President Ruto claims that such an agreement might increase Kenya's appeal to U.S. investors and open up new doors for Kenyan farmers, manufacturers and tech companies.

The two leaders reviewed the Ksh208 billion Kenya–U.S. Health Cooperation Framework under the America First Global Health Strategy, which was another major topic of discussion. President Ruto said that by simplifying financing and implementation and lowering need on conventional NGO middlemen, a future government-to-government deal will support Kenya's universal healthcare program.

egarding security issues, President Ruto thanked the United States for helping to transform the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti, which is commanded by Kenya, into a stronger Gang Suppression Force. This assistance, which includes the supply of vehicles and equipment, strengthens Kenya's position in international peace and security initiatives. After more than 20 years of fighting, Deputy Secretary Landau emphasized the need to reevaluate established tactics in the fight toward terrorism and violent extremism. The officials also talked about counterterrorism cooperation in Somalia.

The ongoing civil conflict in Sudan was also discussed, with both parties voicing worry about the worsening humanitarian situation that has left millions of people in need of medical care, food and water. In order to assist the delivery of emergency supplies, Kenya reaffirmed its willingness to provide logistical assistance.  

Expanded export prospects, possible tariff reductions under a new trade agreement and continuous special access to the U.S. market under AGOA are all signs of the meeting for Kenya. Kenya continues to be a dependable and vital friend of the United States in Africa, economically, diplomatically and in accomplishing regional and international security goals.