Kenya, United States Reaffirm Strategic Partnership During Deputy Secretary Landau’s Visit.

Kenya, United States Reaffirm Strategic Partnership During Deputy Secretary Landau’s Visit.

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, meets with United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau during a high-level visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and advancing strategic cooperation between Kenya and the United States.

By Jeff Oyugi 

Nairobi - January 29, 2026

The Government of Kenya on Tuesday welcomed the United States Deputy Secretary of state, Christopher Landau on an official visit that senior officials described as a significant milestone in the deepening of diplomatic relations and strategic cooperation between the two countries.

Speaking during high-level engagements in Nairobi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi said the visit reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between Kenya and the United States and provided an opportunity to advance dialogue on key bilateral and regional issues.

Mudavadi noted that discussions held with the US delegation were wide-ranging and constructive, covering trade and investment, energy and infrastructure development, defence cooperation, counterterrorism and regional peace and security. He said both sides reviewed progress made in these areas and explored ways of further strengthening the strategic partnership.

“Kenya and the United States have made significant progress across trade, investment, peace and security, health, education and development,” Mudavadi said, adding that these efforts have contributed to shared prosperity and enhanced stability across the region.

A key highlight of the discussions was the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for a further three years. Mudavadi described the renewal as an important milestone that would support continued mutually beneficial trade between the two countries. He also pointed to the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the Manda Bay runway as a landmark step underscoring strong security and development cooperation.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary further expressed appreciation for US support in strengthening critical infrastructure that enhances operational readiness and joint efforts to promote regional peace and security. He also welcomed the inclusion of a recognition event honoring Kenyan police officers who have served with distinction under the multinational security support mission in Haiti, saying it reflected Kenya’s leadership and contribution to international peacekeeping.

“This recognition acknowledges Kenya’s significant role in advancing global peace and stability and reflects the strong partnership and mutual respect between our two countries,” Mudavadi said, expressing optimism for continued engagement and deeper cooperation.

In his remarks, Deputy Secretary Landau said he was honored to visit Kenya on behalf of US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accompanied by General David Anderson, Commander of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM). He emphasized the importance Washington attaches to its relationship with Kenya, describing ties between the two nations as strong and multifaceted.

Landau highlighted security cooperation as a central pillar of the partnership, referencing the August 7, 1998 bombing of the US Embassy in Nairobi as a stark reminder of the shared sacrifices made by Kenyans and Americans. He said the tragedy underscored the real-life stakes of security collaboration and the need for continued vigilance.

“We must reaffirm our commitment that such a day will not recur again,” Landau said, noting ongoing cooperation aimed at protecting lives and enhancing stability.

On economic relations, the Deputy Secretary said there was significant potential to deepen cooperation in trade, investment and infrastructure development, including projects along key corridors such as Mombasa and Lamu. He said stronger economic ties could serve as a foundation for even closer political and security relations.

Landau also praised Kenya’s leadership in the multinational security mission in Haiti, thanking the government and personnel involved for preventing the country from falling under the control of criminal gangs. He said Kenya had been an indispensable partner, not only in the current mission, which is set to conclude in the coming months, but also in planning a new gang suppression force scheduled to begin operations in April.

Additionally, Landau said the two sides held fruitful discussions on shared regional challenges in East and Central Africa, noting that stability and security in the region required close coordination and communication.

Concluding his visit, Landau expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by the Kenyan government and people, saying he looked forward to continued engagement during his stay.

The Kenyan government said it anticipates a productive visit and reiterated its commitment to consolidating gains already made while advancing deeper cooperation with the United States.