Ruto highlights Ksh.208B health deal, AGOA renewal in meeting with US envoy

The leaders, according to a statement after the meeting, discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.

President Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening its already robust relationship with the United States, which he described as being “built on mutual respect and shared interests.”

During the meeting, the leaders highlighted the Ksh. 208 billion Kenya-US Health Cooperation Framework signed last year, the first of its kind under the America First Global Health Strategy.

President Ruto noted that the government-to-government agreement bypasses traditional NGO intermediaries and provides a significant boost to the delivery of Kenya’s universal healthcare programme.

“The agreement is a signature example of the excellent ties between our two countries and governments,” President Ruto said.

The President also pointed to the mutually beneficial nature of Kenya-US trade. In 2024, Kenya exported goods worth $737 million to the US, while the United States imported $771 million worth of goods from Kenya.

He welcomed the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for another three years, which allows thousands of African products to enter the US market duty-free and quota-free.

At the bilateral level, Kenya and the US are in discussions for a comprehensive trade agreement, with progress made on issues including tariff reductions, digital trade, and investment opportunities.

On regional and global security matters, President Ruto expressed appreciation for the United States’ support in the transition of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti into a more robust Gang Suppression Force, including provision of equipment and vehicles.

The leaders also discussed strategies to combat terrorism and violent extremism in Somalia.

Additionally, the Sudan civil war and its humanitarian consequences were deliberated. President Ruto affirmed Kenya’s readiness to provide logistical support to facilitate humanitarian efforts, particularly the delivery of food, medical supplies, and other essential items to the seven million people affected by the crisis.

The meeting underscored Kenya and the United States’ shared commitment to strengthening trade, security, and humanitarian cooperation in the region and beyond.