Kenya poised for crucial strategic talks with US

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma is leading a Kenya delegation that is set to attend the inaugural Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD) in the United States on Tuesday and Wednesday .  The BSD was established during the meeting between President Uhuru Kenyatta and President Donald J. Trump held in Washington on August 27, 2018. This arrangement elevated Kenya-US relations to a Strategic Partnership.

A statement from the ministry said the meeting will be premised on Economic Prosperity, Trade & Investment;  Defence Cooperation;  Democracy & Governance;  and Multilateral & Regional Issues.

Under the Economic Prosperity, Trade & Investment pillar, Kenya and the US aim to step up collaboration that grows the economy through generating jobs and building technical capacity.

“Further, Kenya and the United States will seek to deepen economic ties through maximising Kenya’s trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), and explore trade and investment opportunities post AGOA in 2025,” said the statement.

On Defence Cooperation, Kenya will seek to enhance cooperation in strengthening military and strategic responses to domestic and regional security challenges.

On Democracy, Governance and Civilian Security, Kenya and United States will deliberate on issues of common interests including shared democratic values, anti-corruption efforts and increased civilian security cooperation.

On multilateral and regional issues, Kenya and United States will pursue stronger diplomatic partnership which provides a platform to discuss cooperation and coordination required to uphold a rules based global order. This includes collaboration in multilateral fora such as the United Nations as partnerships that contribute to a free and open world.

The two countries are expected to sign the agreement to guide the Strategic Dialogue and the Security Governance Initiative (SGI) Joint Country Action Plan to enhance civilian security and governance cooperation. A Joint Communique will be issued at the end of the meeting.