Ruto Highlights KSh208 Billion Health Pact, AGOA Renewal in Talks With US Envoy

By : Mweru Mbugua 

President William Ruto on Thursday held talks with United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau at State House, Nairobi, during the envoy’s two-day official visit to Kenya

According to a statement released after the meeting, the two leaders discussed a wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues, reaffirming the strong ties between Kenya and the United States

President Ruto underscored Kenya’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Washington, describing the relationship as one built on mutual respect and shared interests

A key highlight of the meeting was the KSh208 billion Kenya–US Health Cooperation Framework signed last year the first agreement of its kind under the America First Global Health Strategy. President Ruto noted that the government-to-government framework bypasses traditional NGO intermediaries, allowing for more efficient delivery of services under Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage programme

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

On trade, the President pointed to the mutually beneficial nature of Kenya–US economic relations. In 2024, Kenya exported goods worth $737 million to the United States, while imports from the US stood at $771 million

He welcomed the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for a further three years, noting that the arrangement enables thousands of African products to access the US market duty-free and quota-free

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Discussions are also ongoing toward a comprehensive Kenya–US trade agreement, with progress reported on tariff reductions, digital trade and investment facilitation

Security cooperation also featured prominently. President Ruto expressed appreciation for US support in transitioning the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti into a more robust Gang Suppression Force, including the provision of equipment and vehicles

The leaders further discussed joint efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism in Somalia, as well as the ongoing civil war in Sudan. President Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s readiness to provide logistical support to enhance humanitarian assistance, particularly the delivery of food, medical supplies and other essentials to the more than seven million people affected by the crisis

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment by Kenya and the United States to strengthening cooperation in trade, security and humanitarian response, both within the region and globally