Kenya has stepped up efforts to strengthen its trade relations with the United States after a high-level meeting in Washington, D.C. between Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer.
The talks focused on laying the groundwork for a reciprocal trade agreement between the two nations. Both sides committed to starting the formal negotiation process, marking a major step forward in the long-standing partnership between Kenya and the United States.
Cabinet Secretary Kinyanjui described the discussions as a promising step, noting that Kenya is eager to secure a deal that will guarantee long-term access to the U.S. market for Kenyan exports.
“Kenya is deeply interested in the commencement of formal negotiations with the United States Government. A reciprocal trade agreement is crucial for securing long-term access to the U.S. market for Kenyan products and will provide the stability needed to unlock new investments,” he said after the meeting.
He also delivered President William Ruto’s commitment to expanding trade and investment ties with Washington. Kinyanjui added that several American firms had already expressed interest in setting up or expanding operations in Kenya, and a structured trade framework would provide the stability needed for such growth.
Ambassador Greer welcomed Kenya’s interest in deepening trade relations with the U.S.
“We applaud Kenya’s focus on strengthening trade with the United States. Let us build a partnership that leverages the growth of the manufacturing sector in America while providing a market for Kenyan products which cannot be sourced locally,” he said.
Data from 2024 shows that Kenya’s trade with the U.S. was valued at 1.5 billion U.S. dollars (Ksh 193.8 billion). The proposed agreement is expected to create new opportunities for Kenyan exporters and investors while opening fresh avenues for bilateral cooperation.
The Kenyan delegation to Washington included Principal Secretary for Trade Regina Ombam, Kenya’s Ambassador to the United States David Kerich, Deputy Chief of Mission Christopher Kirigua, and technical experts.
This week’s meeting followed earlier talks between Kinyanjui and Ambassador Greer in March, as well as discussions with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in May. Both governments have now expressed readiness to move into formal negotiations in the coming months.
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