President William Ruto has held talks with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York, with discussions focusing on Kenya-US relations, trade, emerging technologies, energy and regional security.
The meeting took place on Monday, September 21, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, as Kenya seeks to deepen its economic and strategic partnership with the United States.
Ruto said the Kenya-US partnership remains anchored on trade, security, technology and development, while welcoming the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
“We welcome the extension of AGOA, which will strengthen trade between Africa and the United States and expand economic opportunities,” Ruto said.
The President said the two countries are also broadening cooperation in emerging areas, particularly artificial intelligence and its application in health, education and financial services.
Ruto said the discussions also explored responsible governance of rapidly advancing AI technologies, alongside potential cooperation in critical minerals and nuclear energy.
The meeting also focused on Kenya’s role in regional peace and security, with Somalia, Haiti and Sudan featuring prominently in the discussions.
“On regional peace and security, we discussed sustaining the security mission in Somalia, supporting stability in Haiti, and addressing the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan through efforts towards a ceasefire, political settlement and continued regional engagement,” Ruto said.
According to reporting on the meeting, the discussions on critical minerals also touched on opportunities for US firms to support value addition in Kenya’s mineral sector.
The talks come as Ruto continues a series of diplomatic and economic engagements in New York during the UN General Assembly, where Kenya is pursuing partnerships in trade, investment, technology, energy and other strategic sectors.