Kenya–US ties to prioritise security cooperation to boost trade and investment

Kenya–United States bilateral ties will prioritise enhancing security cooperation between the two countries to promote investment and trade.

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Laundau said the two nations will work together to ensure the wider region and the entire Horn of Africa is secure by putting in place sufficient measures to promote stability.

Laundau, while addressing the press alongside foreign affairs cabinet secretary Musalia Mudavadi, pointed out that the US will remain committed to its longstanding bilateral ties with Kenya.

“We will continue working together because I think it is good for this country if the conflicts in neighbouring countries are also resolved, and so we are committed to working closely with our friends here in Kenya to reach that common goal,” Laundau said.

The senior US official noted that without proper security in place, little can be achieved, as he recalled the 1998 terrorist attack and vowed that, with US support, such an incident would never happen again.

“Sometimes we treat economic issues and security issues as if they are two different issues. No company can invest somewhere to bring jobs when they are dodging bullets or they think it is insecure. You cannot talk about economic growth without some underlying security in that country,” he said.

Mudavadi, on his part, said US support in promoting peace and countering terrorism in the region has been significant.

“We also welcome the progress made by the US in renewing the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for a further three years, a significant boost to Kenya–US trade and a strong foundation for deeper, mutually beneficial economic ties ahead,” he added.

Mudavadi also lauded US support for the Haiti mission, saying the financial backing signalled a stronger partnership between the two countries.

“We value the recognition by the US of our leadership and contribution to international peace and stability, particularly through our role in the multinational security support mission in Haiti, a mission made possible through a strong partnership with the US and the wider international community,” Mudavadi said.