Ruto holds talks with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau at State House

President William Ruto on Thursday met United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau at State House, Nairobi, during the senior American official’s two-day visit to Kenya, with discussions focusing on bilateral relations and key regional security issues.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Kenya–US ties, which President Ruto described as being anchored on mutual respect and shared strategic interests.

President Ruto highlighted the Sh208 billion Kenya–US Health Cooperation Framework signed last year, noting that it is the first agreement of its kind globally under the America First Global Health Strategy.

He said the government-to-government arrangement is a major boost to Kenya’s universal healthcare programme, as it bypasses traditional NGO intermediaries.

The meeting also reviewed trade relations between the two countries, with Ruto noting that bilateral trade remains balanced and mutually beneficial.

In 2024, Kenya exported goods worth $737 million to the United States, while US exports to Kenya stood at $771 million.

The President welcomed the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for a further three years after its expiry in 2025, saying the framework has played a critical role in expanding Kenyan exports to the US market through duty-free and quota-free access.

At the bilateral level, Kenya and the US are making progress toward a comprehensive trade agreement, with ongoing discussions covering tariff reductions, digital trade and investment.

On security matters, Ruto expressed appreciation for US support in regional and global peace initiatives, including the transition of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti into a more robust Gang Suppression Force, supported through equipment and vehicle provision.

The leaders also discussed counter-terrorism efforts in Somalia, with Mr Landau underscoring the need to reassess strategies after more than two decades of persistent security challenges.

Talks further covered the ongoing civil war in Sudan, which has triggered a humanitarian crisis affecting more than seven million people.

Ruto said Kenya stands ready to provide logistical support to facilitate the delivery of food, medical supplies and other humanitarian assistance to Sudan.