Ruto Strengthens U.S. Ties on Trade, Security
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) featured at the heart of the negotiations. Ruto reiterated that AGOA remains right
Secretary Rubio commended Kenya for its leadership in promoting peace and stability in the region consistently. Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
President William Ruto on Tuesday held a meeting at the highest level with U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio on the margins of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The two leaders discussed how to broaden bilateral relations, particularly in trade, investment, and regional security.
Among the most significant outcomes of the talks was a common commitment to finalize a trade agreement by the close of the year. Both leaders emphasized the importance of intensifying American investment in Kenya, especially in sectors that had the potential to drive economic growth and create jobs. The summit also focused on increasing security collaboration, with counter-terrorism as an area of priority to combat threats within the Horn of Africa and beyond.
According to President Ruto, Secretary Rubio commended Kenya for its leadership in promoting peace and stability in the region consistently. He further reiterated that the United States would continue to cooperate with Kenya in security issues as well as support peace-building initiatives in East Africa.
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) featured at the heart of the negotiations. Ruto reiterated that AGOA remains right at the heart of Kenya’s trade agenda and asked for greater support to broaden Kenya’s capacity to export to the American market. Ruto further pointed out that better trade terms will not only strengthen the economic relationship between the two countries but also spur domestic industries.
Aside from commerce and security, the Kenyan President turned his attention to sustainable development and climate action. Towards the afternoon, President Ruto, while accompanied by California Governor Gavin Newsom, witnessed the signing of the California-Africa Climate and Economic Partnership. The landmark agreement seeks to enhance collaboration in clean energy, digital innovation, climate-resilient agriculture, electric mobility, and green port infrastructure.
One of the key highlights of the partnership is establishing a Centre of Excellence in Clean Transport Systems in Africa, with headquarters in Kenya. The center would be an innovation, research, and transfer-of-technology hub that places Kenya at the forefront of green transport solutions in the region.
President Ruto emphasized that this collaboration is significant, stating that Kenya has emerged as the first African nation to sign a memorandum of understanding with California, the world’s fourth-largest economy. “This initiative opens new doors for Africa to access California’s leading-edge technology and climate innovation while situating Kenya as a green growth center,” he explained.
The engagements in New York reflect Kenya’s push to solidify international partnerships that balance economic growth, global leadership on climate change, and regional peace building.
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