President William Ruto on Thursday January 29, 2026, met the United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who is on a two-day visit to Kenya, at Statehouse in Nairobi, and discussed bilateral ties between the two countries.
In a statement issued after the meeting, President Ruto highlighted that the purpose of the meeting was to reaffirm Kenya’s commitment to strengthening the already excellent relationship with the US.
“Met United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who is on a two-day visit to Kenya, at State House Nairobi. We discussed various bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest,” Ruto said.
Ruto also acknowledged last year’s KSh208 billion Kenya-US Health Cooperation Framework, under the America First Global Health Strategy, reiterating that the government-to-government deal is a major boost to Kenya’s universal healthcare programme as it bypasses traditional NGO intermediaries.
The two leaders also discussed bilateral trade between Kenya and the US, with President Ruto noting that it is mutually beneficial and balanced, giving the private sector many opportunities to do business and thrive.
In 2024, Kenya exported goods worth $737 million to the US, while the US bought goods worth $771 million from Kenya.
President Ruto also welcomed the US Government’s renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which had expired in 2025, for another three years. He asserted that through AGOA, thousands of African goods and products enter the US market duty-free and quota-free, and this has been significant in increased trade from Kenya and other countries from our continent.
At the bilateral level, President Ruto revealed that Kenya and the US are discussing a comprehensive trade agreement, that would see the elimination or reduction of tariffs in various goods and products, digital trade, and investment, among others.
Regional and global peace and security issues also featured in their discussions, with President Ruto appreciating the US for support in the transition of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti into a more robust Gang Suppression Force, including the provision of the necessary equipment and vehicles.
They also discussed the countries’ efforts to combat the threats of terrorism and violent extremism in Somalia. Mr Landau underscored the need to reassess strategies employed in Somalia and how best to support Somalia.
Also deliberated on was the Sudan civil war, which has been marked by loss of life, destruction of national infrastructure and a humanitarian catastrophe in which seven million people need food, water and medicines.
Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s readiness to offer logistical support to facilitate humanitarian efforts to deliver food, medical supplies and other essential items.
