Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Alfred Mutua concluded a week-long strategic bilateral dialogue with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, resulting in multiple deals.
In a statement, Dr. Mutua revealed the various Kenya – US deals he secured for Kenyans as President William Ruto seeks to strengthen the country’s longstanding diplomatic ties with America.
At the same time, the high-level talks focused on partnerships in Trade and Investment for job creation and visas for youth empowerment, Health, Food Security, Climate Change, and Regional Peace and Security.
“After weeks of collaborative negotiations as partners, I co-chaired the Kenya-United States Strategic Bilateral Dialogue with Secretary of State Blinken in Washington DC,” Dr. Mutua stated.
Emerging Brands Africa highlights some of these Kenya – US deals:
Jobs & Visas
Furthermore, Dr. Mutua announced that the US agreed to establish a framework enabling Kenyans to apply for jobs and swiftly obtain visas to work in the United States.
“I encourage Kenyans to apply for jobs in the United States. Mbele iko Sawa (the future is bright).”
On the other hand, Blinken consented to work on expediting visa processing at the Nairobi embassy to reduce long waiting times
Universal Health Coverage
The US pledged support for Kenya’s Universal Healthcare (UHC) program, focusing on epidemic control and the manufacturing of vaccines and pharmaceuticals.
This will lead to job creation for Kenyans and technology transfer.
“We agreed on the continued support for HIV/AIDS medication as we build capacity to produce our own within five years.”
Food Security and Climate Change
Moreover, the US’s top diplomat also committed to assisting Kenya in sustainable food production rather than food aid through water harvesting programs, value addition technology, and agribusiness technology to encourage youth to embrace farming.
Additionally, they discussed upgrading the United Nations (UN) office in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi—the only headquarters in the Global South.
“The UN Office in Nairobi was established several decades ago and thus requires upgrading to meet international standards. The United States committed to support the project.”
Peace & Security
Lastly, the upgrading the UN office in Nairobi will complement the existing regional peace and security that Kenya has enjoyed with US assistance.”