• Talks also touched on progress toward an all-inclusive two-pronged trade agreement. Negotiations are addressing issues such as tariff reductions, digital trade, and investment opportunities, with both governments signaling optimism about the outcomes.

On January 29, 2026, President William Ruto hosted United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau at State House Nairobi during his two day visit to Kenya.

The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations and advancing cooperation across health, trade, and regional security.

Discussions highlighted the KSh208 billion Kenya US Health Cooperation Framework signed last year, the first of its kind under the America First Global Health Strategy.

The agreement, structured as a government to government deal, is seen as a major boost to Kenya’s universal healthcare programme by channeling resources directly and bypassing traditional non-governmental organisation (NGO) intermediaries.

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On trade, President Ruto highlighted the balanced nature of economic exchanges. “In 2024, Kenya exported goods worth $737 million to the US, while the US bought goods worth $771 million from Kenya,” he stated.

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has played a significant role in this growth, allowing thousands of African products duty free access to the American market. Dr Ruto also endorsed Washington’s renewal of AGOA which had expired in 2025.

President William Ruto with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau at State House, Nairobi, Kenya. (Photo/Courtesy: PCS /X)

Talks also touched on progress toward an all-inclusive two-pronged trade agreement. Negotiations are addressing issues such as tariff reductions, digital trade, and investment opportunities, with both governments signaling optimism about the outcomes.

“At the bilateral level, Kenya and the US are discussing a comprehensive trade agreement for which a lot of progress has been made,” the Head of State noted.

Additionally, President Ruto expressed appreciation for US support in transitioning the Kenyan led Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti into a stronger Gang Suppression Force, including the provision of equipment and vehicles.

The meeting underscored the depth of Kenya US relations, built on mutual respect and shared interests, and reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to expanding cooperation in health, trade, and regional stability.

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