When Kenyan President William Ruto touches down in Washington later this month for his first state visit since taking office, he will be greeted with the full pomp and ceremony reserved for America’s closest allies. But behind the military parades and gun salutes, substantive discussions await on issues critical to both nations.
In an interview with Citizen TV’s Jeff Koinange, Korir Sing’oei, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, outlined Kenya’s priorities for the landmark trip: deepening economic ties, boosting counterterrorism cooperation, securing fresh investment to combat climate change, and reviving stalled regional peace efforts.
“The president will hold a bilateral meeting with President Biden,” said Dr Sing’oei. “They will consolidate conversations around our defence cooperation – a very important partnership given Kenya’s role as an anchor state in counterterrorism and regional peace and security.”
Unlocking American capital for green projects is a top agenda item.
“President Ruto will likely use his expected address to Congress to socialize the American audience about the unique challenges that bevel our country and continent due to climate change,” the PS stated. “Roads, bridges and schools have been washed away. He’ll make the case for reforming global finance systems to invest more in renewable energy and green minerals in Africa.”
The commercial prospects are equally enticing. With Kenya negotiating a trade deal with the US, the trip “would even receive more impetus from the leadership.” A delegation of over 100 Kenyan business leaders across manufacturing, banking and SMEs will accompany President Ruto to court investment.
In Atlanta, major deals are expected to be signed, including around $200 million from Coca-Cola. Health, education and creative economy partnerships are also planned.
“The president will visit the Tyler Perry Studios and meet Hollywood players to explore unlocking the potential of Kenya’s booming film industry,” revealed Dr Sing’oei.
Yet regional Security remains a pressing concern. Under a UN mandate, Kenya will lead a multinational police mission to troubled Haiti to provide training and operational support. “Kenya has a commitment to discipline and is governed by laws where deployed,” assured the PS.
Closer to home, President Ruto will host South Sudanese leaders to revive stalled peace talks with opposition holdout groups – spotlighting Kenya’s role as a diplomatic heavyweight after brokering the 2005 deal that paved the way for South Sudan’s independence.
“This trip represents a milestone in US-Kenya relations,” assessed Dr Sing’oei. “It’s a reflection of the position Kenya is held in – we’re being asked to lead, to do the heavy lifting, to speak for the region.”
