President William Ruto [held high-level bilateral discussions with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio] in New York on Monday, September 21, on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The meeting focused on expanding strategic economic and security cooperation between Kenya and the United States. Both leaders welcomed the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), emphasizing that the trade framework remains vital for boosting duty-free exports from African nations to American markets. Discussions also highlighted emerging opportunities in critical minerals and nuclear energy, with U.S. State Department Spokesman Tommy Pigott noting that the dialogue examined how Kenya’s critical mineral deposits could position the country as a regional processing hub while attracting investments from American firms.
“We welcome the extension of AGOA, which will strengthen trade between Africa and the United States and expand economic opportunities,” [President Ruto said following the bilateral meeting].
Emerging technologies and digital governance also featured prominently during the talks. President Ruto and Secretary Rubio exchanged views on responsible artificial intelligence (AI) governance, exploring collaborative frameworks to apply AI infrastructure in public healthcare delivery, education systems, and financial service integration. Additionally, Secretary Rubio commended Kenya’s partnership in implementing the America First Global Health Strategy to modernize bilateral healthcare cooperation.
On regional peace and security, the two leaders evaluated ongoing peace-building interventions across East Africa and the Caribbean. President Ruto stated that discussions centered on sustaining the African Union-backed security transition in Somalia, maintaining international support for the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti, and pushing for an immediate ceasefire and negotiated political settlement to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
“We discussed sustaining the security mission in Somalia, supporting stability in Haiti, and addressing the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan through efforts towards a ceasefire, political settlement and continued regional engagement,” [President Ruto added]
The engagement forms part of President Ruto’s broader diplomatic schedule in New York, where he is leading Kenya’s delegation to UNGA to advocate for enhanced trade partnerships, green energy investments, and equitable global financial reform.