By Janet Nyanchoka
Kenya and the United States have reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to deepening the strategic partnership between the two nations, with a renewed focus on trade, innovation, and development.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi hosted Susan Burns at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, for a high-level meeting aimed at reviewing progress made since President William Ruto’s official visit to Washington in May 2024.
That visit resulted in a series of new agreements spanning trade, investment, technological collaboration, and innovation.
A key topic of discussion was the ongoing trade negotiations, particularly in light of the impending expiry of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in 2025.
“We reviewed progress on the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP) and discussed next steps as we transition into a post-AGOA framework. There’s a need to ensure continuity in key programmes and safeguard development gains,” Mudavadi stated.
The leaders also discussed preparations for the 2025 AmCham Kenya–U.S. Creative Economy Summit, which aims to position Kenya as a regional hub for U.S. investment in the creative sector.
The summit is expected to catalyze policy reforms that support growth in film, music, and sports, while opening global market access for Kenyan talent.
“Kenya remains keen on becoming a global hub for creative talent and U.S. investment in the sector,” Mudavadi noted.
He described the summit as a transformative step toward formalizing public-private partnerships in the creative economy.
Against the backdrop of evolving U.S. foreign policy, both parties underscored the importance of maintaining policy continuity and enhancing technical cooperation.
They agreed to establish a technical working group in Nairobi to fast-track the implementation of priority projects.
Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s unwavering commitment to its relationship with the United States.
He emphasized the country’s dedication to strengthening strategic ties that deliver tangible prosperity for the Kenyan people.