The United States of America has renewed its commitment to working closely with Kenya, promising to strengthen ties in health, trade, security and infrastructure.
US Chargé d’Affaires Susan Burns gave the assurance during a meeting with National Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula on Monday. The discussion, held at Parliament Buildings, covered pressing bilateral issues from Kenya’s peacekeeping mission in Haiti to trade negotiations and public health concerns.
Burns praised Kenya’s leadership in global peacekeeping, calling its intervention in Haiti a demonstration of international responsibility.
“Kenya deserves immense credit for what it has done,” she said.
“The Haiti matter will be top of the agenda this week during the UN General Assembly. We understand the concern over financial questions, it has been a struggle, but Kenya’s commitment has not gone unnoticed,” she added.
Speaker Wetang’ula pressed the US to reconsider its withdrawal of funding for the Kenya-led Haiti mission, which is expected to transition into a UN operation.
Burns however, disclosed that President William Ruto will meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, where the Haiti mission and broader relations between the two countries will take center stage.
The meeting also touched on the suspension of USAID programs in Kenya. Wetang’ula warned that halting the aid risked disrupting health services for vulnerable groups. Burns acknowledged the challenge but assured that talks were underway with Treasury CS John Mbadi and Health CS Aden Duale to cushion the impact.
“Even before USAID’s withdrawal, Kenya had achieved epidemic control in HIV, which is an incredible milestone worth celebrating,” she said.
“The US remains the largest donor in health and humanitarian assistance.”
Trade and infrastructure were also key topics. Wetang’ula raised concern over the 10% tariff on Kenyan exports to the US, warning that it could hurt Kenya’s farmers and manufacturers.
Wetang’ula further reminded the US of its pledge to support the expansion of the Nairobi–Mombasa highway, calling it a critical lifeline for trade and tourism.
The Speaker also urged the US to take a more active role in promoting peace and stability in the East African region and beyond.
“The US, Kenya and the UN are guarantors of South Sudan’s independence, but we have allowed it to degenerate into a failed state,” Wetang’ula said. “We need serious international intervention.”
He called on Washington not to retreat from its global leadership role, citing ongoing crises in the Middle East and the Great Lakes region.
With 24 by-elections scheduled for November 27, Burns sought updates on efforts to restore public confidence in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
“The public mistrust of IEBC is historical and may not fade soon,” Wetang’ula admitted.
“I have told them to pay fidelity to the law and deliver elections that are free for the voter and fair to the candidate.”
He appealed to the US to continue supporting Kenya’s electoral reforms and capacity-building programs to strengthen democracy.
Kenya and the US have enjoyed close relations for decades, with collaboration in security, health, education, energy and tourism. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expand this partnership under their current administrations, describing the relationship as “strategic and enduring.”
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