Nairobi: Kenya and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in security, trade, infrastructure development, and regional stability. This follows high-level discussions 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.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Mudavadi highlighted that the visit by the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State provided an opportunity for the two nations to advance dialogue on a wide range of bilateral and regional issues. He emphasized the progress made in trade and investment, energy infrastructure, defense cooperation, and regional peace and security, and discussed ways to enhance the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Dr. Mudavadi praised the progress towards renewing the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for three more years, emphasizing its significance in sustaining and expanding Kenya-U.S. trade relations. He noted that AGOA has supported numerous jobs and increased access for Kenyan products to the U.S. market.
Further, Dr. Mudavadi highlighted the recent groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the Manda Bay runway as a key symbol of deepening security and development cooperation between Nairobi and Washington. He noted that such investments have positive effects on local development and enhance operational readiness and regional peace and security.
In recognition of Kenya's leadership in international peacekeeping, a recent event honored Kenyan police officers who served under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti. Dr. Mudavadi stated that this recognition by the United States reflects the strong partnership and mutual respect between the two nations.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau expressed gratitude towards President William Ruto and the Kenyan government for their warm reception, describing Kenya as a vital strategic partner in Africa. He recalled the 1998 bombing at Nairobi's August 7 Memorial Park as a reminder of the shared security challenges and emphasized the importance of expanding economic and commercial ties.
Landau praised Kenya's leadership in the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, describing the country as an indispensable partner in restoring stability. He also noted that investors are unlikely to commit resources to countries where security is uncertain, highlighting the importance of maintaining regional peace for long-term economic growth.
Addressing the concerns regarding the cost of the Haiti mission to Kenyan taxpayers, Landau clarified that Kenya led by providing personnel, while the United States took the lead in financial contributions under a United Nations-authorized framework. Dr. Mudavadi acknowledged that the mission would not have succeeded without U.S. logistical and financial support and emphasized the importance of such collaboration in addressing regional security challenges and infrastructure development.