Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, has arrived in the United States of America for high-level bilateral talks with President Donald Trump’s government aimed at deepening the longstanding close ties between the two nations.
This visit marks the first significant engagement between Nairobi and Washington since Trump’s reelection and follows President William Ruto’s historic State Visit to the US in May 2024, the first by an African leader since 2008.
During his visit, Mudavadi is scheduled to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss strengthening partnerships across security, trade, and investment.
A key focus will be on expanding economic ties, notably pushing for the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which provides duty-free access for eligible African exports to the US market.
Renewing AGOA is critical for Kenya’s export sector and job creation, especially in the apparel industry.
In addition to talks with Secretary Rubio, Mudavadi will engage with Brian Mast, Chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, and hold meetings with the International Development Finance Corporation (IDFC) and U.S. investors at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
These discussions aim to attract more U.S. investments to Kenya and promote the Kenya-U.S. Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership, which seeks to boost trade and create jobs.
The bilateral talks also build on ongoing cooperation in regional peace and security, as Kenya plays a pivotal role in mediating conflicts in East Africa and beyond.
The U.S. has committed to supporting Kenya’s leadership in regional security initiatives and economic development, including efforts to address humanitarian challenges such as food insecurity and refugee integration.
