President William Ruto’s recent state visit to the United States culminated in a series of landmark deals, reinforcing Kenya’s strategic partnership with the US across various sectors. The agreements span from civil society support to significant investments in infrastructure, health, education, and anti-corruption initiatives, reflecting a comprehensive approach to mutual growth and stability. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the major deals secured during the visit:
Civil Society Engagement and Protections
The US bolstered its support for Kenyan civil society with a total of KES 630 million aimed at strengthening civil society’s role in governance and advancing youth and disability inclusion. Notably, KES 92.75 million will help operationalize the 2013 Public Benefits Organization Act, ensuring that civil society organizations can effectively contribute to national development.
Fiscal Integrity and Anti-Corruption
In a bid to enhance fiscal transparency and combat corruption, the US committed KES 561.125 million. This includes KES 66.25 million each for new fiscal integrity and anti-corruption advocacy programs, KES 33.125 million through the Global Accountability Program, and KES 39.75 million to support Kenya’s proposed Whistleblower Protection law. Additionally, USAID allocated KES 357.75 million to bolster the enforcement of anti-fraud and anti-corruption laws.
Police Capacity Building and Prison Reforms
Kenya’s National Police Service stands to gain from a substantial KES 927.5 million partnership aimed at modernization and professionalization. Moreover, KES 291.5 million will enhance oversight and improve conditions within the prison service, indicating a strong focus on law enforcement and criminal justice reforms.
Combating Transnational Organized Crime
The US announced KES 648.25 million to enhance cooperation in combating transnational organized crime. This investment targets capacity building within Kenya’s police and justice sectors, aiming to curb international crime syndicates.
Electoral Reforms
In support of Kenya’s electoral process, KES 198.75 million will be provided to reform the electoral legal framework, strengthen the election commission, and enhance political party and campaign finance regulations.
Health Sector Boosts
Significant investments were made to advance Kenya’s health sector. Key initiatives include:
- KES 304.75 million from USAID to support local manufacturing of medical products.
- A direct loan of KES 1.325 billion to Hewa Tele for medical oxygen provision.
- KES 1.709 billion to support KEMRI’s research, enhancing public health surveillance.
- KES 4.107 billion to establish a digital superhighway for healthcare delivery.
Education and Research Partnerships
Several educational and research initiatives were announced, including:
- A KES 437.25 million scholarship program for Kenyan STEM students.
- KES 66.25 million to foster US-Kenyan university collaborations.
- Microsoft’s KES 66.25 million investment to support research at the Microsoft Africa Research Institute.
- USAID’s KES 3.24325 billion for the Kenya Primary Literacy Program to improve early grade literacy.
Economic and Infrastructure Development
The visit also yielded substantial economic and infrastructural development deals:
- A KES 1.325 billion loan to BasiGo for electric buses and to Roam Electric for electric motorcycles.
- A KES 1.325 billion loan to Mogo Auto Kenya for affordable vehicle financing.
- KES 7.95 billion from the Millennium Challenge Corporation for urban mobility in Nairobi.
- Nearly KES 1.7225 billion to expand plastic recycling by T3.
- Various investments in the energy sector, including KES 477 million for cleaner electricity connections and KES 13.25 billion for hydropower projects.
Conservation and Environmental Projects
Environmental conservation projects were also prioritized:
- KES 39.75 million for landscape and fundraising strategies.
- KES 132.5 million for weather forecasting services for farmers.
- KES 132.5 million for developing Kenya’s carbon markets framework.
Coca-Cola and Food Security Initiatives
A notable KES 23.19 billion investment from Coca-Cola aims at policy engagement, mango juice production, and plastic recycling. Furthermore, USAID’s KES 1.99 billion investment targets poverty reduction and malnutrition, aiming to create 50,000 new jobs and catalyze over KES 26.5 billion in agricultural sales.
Affordable Housing and SME Support
DFC approved a KES 23.85 billion loan for affordable student housing, expected to attract KES 47.7 billion in local investment. Additionally, KES 66.25 million was granted to Pezesha Africa Limited to improve credit scoring for SMEs, and KES 66.25 million was loaned to Keep IT Cool for fish farming technology.
High-Tech Investments
Key investments in technology include:
- KES 132.5 million for resilient semiconductor supply chains.
- KES 172.25 million for Semiconductor Technologies Limited’s expansion.
- KES 166.95 million for a feasibility study on affordable internet delivery by Poa Internet.
- KES 159 million for fiber optic and 5G infrastructure development.
Support for Digital Skills and Counterterrorism
The DTA will provide KES 132.5 million to expand digital skills and support digital entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, the State Department Bureau of Counterterrorism announced KES 2.48 billion to enhance Kenya’s criminal justice system in addressing terrorism threats.
Download a copy of the deals mentioned here.
President Ruto’s US visit has undoubtedly strengthened Kenya’s ties with the US, resulting in a comprehensive suite of agreements that promise to enhance civil society, governance, healthcare, education, economic development, and security. These partnerships and investments mark a significant step forward in Kenya’s development trajectory, aligning with both nations’ strategic interests.
