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Tag: Kenya-US Relations

  • Mudavadi bids farewell to U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, reaffirms strength of Kenya–U.S. ties

    Mudavadi bids farewell to U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, reaffirms strength of Kenya–U.S. ties

    Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, hosted and bid farewell to the United States Chargé d’Affaires, Marc Dillard, as he concludes his diplomatic mission in Kenya.

    During their meeting, Mudavadi praised the longstanding and robust relations between Kenya and the United States, highlighting the significant progress made under Dillard’s stewardship in enhancing cooperation across critical sectors.

    “We reaffirmed our shared commitment to deepening collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, and innovation,” said the Prime Cabinet Secretary.

    Mudavadi also confirmed that their discussions touched on regional and global security concerns, particularly the evolving geopolitical landscape and its broader implications for economic resilience, human capital development, and multilateral cooperation.

    Dillard on his part expressed optimism about the future of Kenya–U.S. relations, stating his confidence that the incoming U.S. ambassador—appointed by President Donald Trump—will build upon the solid foundation established during his tenure.

    Mudavadi thanked Dillard for his dedicated service and wished him success in his future endeavours.

  • President Ruto lauds Kenya-US relations

    President Ruto lauds Kenya-US relations

    President William Ruto has said the State Visit to the United States of America has reinforced the enduring friendship, solidarity and mutual endeavours that have united the two nations.

    He said the partnership between Kenya and the US has yielded significant achievements over the past 60 years.

    He said these accomplishments have kept both nations strong, effective, and dynamic in their collective pursuit of freedom, equality and prosperity.

    “We are proud of our robust ties and the shared values which form a strong bond of friendship,” he said.

    He made the remarks during a State Dinner hosted in his honour by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at the White House, Washington, D.C. on Thursday evening.

  • Kenya to receive 16 helicopters from US Govt by 2025

    Kenya to receive 16 helicopters from US Govt by 2025

    Kenya is scheduled to receive 16 US manufactured helicopters (8 Hueys) and (8 MD-500s) between late 2024 and 2025, the United States Government has said.

    As part of strengthening ties between the two long-standing partners especially in the security sector, the United States will deliver the helicopters to bolster its ability to provide regional peace and security and participate in peacekeeping missions.

    The development comes after US President Joe Bide hosted President William Ruto for a roundtable on at the White House in Washington, D.C.

    A statement from White House Thursday said the two leaders’ agenda showcases how ties between the two countries deliver tangible benefits to their citizens.

    The two Head of State discussed democracy, human rights, and governance; health partnerships; people-to-people ties; shared climate solutions; trade and investment; debt, development, and sustainable finance; digital, critical, and emerging technology cooperation; and peace and security cooperation.

    To support Kenya’s peace and security, the US Government said the partnership extends to areas including international peacekeeping, peace negotiations, security governance, refugee inclusion, and cooperation in cybersecurity.

    “The U.S.-Kenya partnership plays a central role in international efforts to defeat Al-Shabaab, ISIS elements based in East Africa, and other terrorist organizations,” the statement read.

    On countering terrorism, the two countries are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to expand the Manda Bay Airfield in coastal Kenya by building a 10,000-foot runway.

    The US Government said that the expanded facility will provide Kenya the required infrastructure to increase operations against the terrorist group Al-Shabaab.

    The US Government also reaffirmed its support for Kenya’s plan to deploy 1,000 police to Haiti as part of the MSS mission to Haiti to help bring security and stability to the Caribbean nation.

  • Biden to notify Congress of his intention to declare Kenya a major non-NATO ally

    Biden to notify Congress of his intention to declare Kenya a major non-NATO ally

    US President Joe Biden will on Thursday inform Congress of his intention to designate Kenya as a major non-NATO ally.

    According to White House, the move will see Kenya become the first country to receive the status as a major non-NATO ally.

    “In a powerful symbol of the close relationship between the United States and Kenya, today President Biden is informing Congress he intends to designate Kenya as a major non-NATO ally,” read a statement from the White House.

    The designation is granted by the United States to countries with close and strategic working relationships with the U.S. military and defense civilians.

    “The United States has a deep respect for Kenya’s contributions to global peace and security.  This is the first designation of a sub-Saharan Africa nation as a Major Non-NATO Ally.”

    More to follow…

  • President Ruto’s itinerary on the second day of his US visit

    President Ruto’s itinerary on the second day of his US visit

    President William Ruto’s itinerary on his second day in the United States will kick off at Spelman College in Atlanta.

    At Spelman College, the President Ruto will participate in a discussion focusing on the critical role of higher education, particularly, science and technology, in enhancing Kenya’s human capital development which is critical to attracting investment that solidifies Kenya as an appealing destination for tech jobs for both present and future needs.

    The President will later visit Tyler Perry Studios to explore opportunities within the creative economy, highlighting it as a potential job creator and area for robust partnership between Kenya and the United States.

    The Head of State will then shift attention to trade and investment with visit a to Coca-Cola, where new investment partnerships will be announced;

    Ruto will then launch VIVO’s inaugural store in America, a leading Kenyan retail fashion enterprise, showcasing the power of Kenyan women entrepreneurs.

    Mayor Andre Dickens of Atlanta and the Atlanta CEO’s Council will then host the President who will seek to position Kenya as an important regional manufacturing hub.