U.S. and Kenya commit to increasing two-way trade and investment; creating one million new jobs per year
The United States of America and the Republic of Kenya have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their bilateral relationship and advancing peace and prosperity in Kenya, Africa, and beyond through a strategic partnership that is grounded in mutual cooperation, respect, and a common vision for sustainable development.
The two governments held the third iteration of the U.S.-Kenya Bilateral Strategic Dialogue in Washington, D.C. on April 24, 2023, which was attended by the U.S. Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, and the Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr. Alfred Mutua. The dialogue focused on advancing cooperation across all five pillars of the Strategic Partnership, which include economic prosperity, trade, and investment; defense cooperation; democracy, governance, and civilian security; multilateral and regional issues; and health cooperation.
In terms of economic prosperity, trade, and investment, the United States and Kenya committed to further increasing two-way trade and investment cooperation through the Kenya-U.S. Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership. They also prioritized economic and commercial programs aimed at creating at least one million new jobs per year in Kenya and greatly reducing food insecurity over the next five years. To achieve this goal, Kenya requested continued technical support and assistance in the information and communications technology (ICT), agro-processing, apparel, and pharmaceutical sectors.
The dialogue built on key milestones, including a successful second round of U.S.-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership talks, President William Ruto’s announcement of critical economic reforms at the March 29 to 30 American Chamber of Commerce Summit in Nairobi, and several new U.S.-linked investments in Kenya’s health, agriculture, and energy sectors.
In terms of defense cooperation, the United States and Kenya renewed their commitment to implement instruments signed during the 2022 Bilateral Defense Forum. This includes a five-year security cooperation plan to enhance Kenya’s capabilities to counter violent extremist organizations, promote regional security, advance maritime surveillance, and bolster Kenyan military academic institutions. The United States commended Kenya for its role in enhancing stability in Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and pledged to seek to increase military aviation capabilities of the Kenya Defence Forces in support of these peace efforts. The two governments also committed to increasing Kenya’s capabilities at the Kenyan Military Airfield in Manda Bay to counter Al-Shabaab and support the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia. The United States also committed to completing the $5 million Counter Insurgency, Terrorism, and Stability Operations Center.
In terms of democracy, governance, and civilian security, the United States and Kenya underscored their respect for democratic principles and highlighted Kenya’s free and fair 2022 elections that were credible and peaceful, as well as its democratic transition. The two governments renewed their commitment to fostering accountable and effective democratic institutions, strengthening the rule of law and respect for human rights, and addressing governance and fiscal transparency. The United States also committed to continuing to support Kenya’s efforts to strengthen police reforms and accountability.
The two countries also committed to continue robust cooperation on counterterrorism within Kenya and the region. They pledged to support a forensics program with the goal of increasing Kenya’s ability to collect, analyze, and preserve evidence in counterterrorism investigations and prosecutions. They also committed to expanding their partnership to defend against common cyber threats, reaffirmed their mutual commitment to an open, interoperable, reliable, and secure internet, and announced their intent to convene a second U.S.-Kenya Cyber and Digital Dialogue later this year.
In terms of multilateral and regional issues, Kenya and the United States pledged to continue to work together to address instability in the Horn of Africa and beyond, including responding to the growing humanitarian needs stemming from food insecurity and forced displacement.
