Kenya and the United States have agreed to deepen collaboration in defence, peace and security, reinforcing their shared commitment to regional stability.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the agreement reflects the strong partnership and mutual respect between the two countries, particularly in advancing global peacekeeping and security efforts.
“On regional security matters, collaboration with partners such as the United Nations, the U.S. government and the wider international community is essential if we are to collectively bring peace and stability to the region,” Mudavadi said.
He noted that Kenya welcomed the United States’ recognition of Nairobi’s leadership and contribution to international peace and security, citing Kenya’s role in the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) in Haiti.
“The mission would not have succeeded without collaboration with the United States, especially in logistics and overall support. The distance from Kenya to Haiti is about 12,000 kilometres, and working closely with the U.S. government was absolutely essential,” Mudavadi said.
He added that the partnership helped mobilise international support and funding for the MSSM mission in Haiti.
Mudavadi was speaking during a joint media briefing with visiting U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau at the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary (OPCS) in Nairobi.
“This visit provides an opportunity for both countries to reaffirm their long-standing ties, advance dialogue on issues of mutual interest at bilateral and regional levels, and further strengthen the strategic partnership between Kenya and the United States,” Mudavadi said.
Landau praised Kenya’s contribution to international stability, particularly in Haiti.
“One of the main reasons I am here is to thank the people and government of Kenya for the immense contribution you have made to international stability, especially in Haiti and across Africa and beyond,” he said.
He said the United States provided significant financial and logistical support to the Haiti mission, working closely with Kenyan police deployed on the ground.
“The level of stability we see in Haiti today—though still fragile—would have been far worse without these interventions,” Landau said.
He described the Haiti mission as a practical example of long-term cooperation between Kenya and the United States.
“This is the kind of progressive collaboration that people will be talking about for decades,” he added.
Mudavadi said Kenya and the United States have also recorded significant progress in trade, investment, counterterrorism, health, education and development, describing these efforts as key drivers of shared prosperity and regional stability.
He welcomed progress by the U.S. government in renewing the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for another three years, terming it a major milestone in Kenya–U.S. trade relations.
“This renewal is critical for our trade relationship, and Kenya looks forward to continued mutually beneficial engagement,” Mudavadi said.
He also acknowledged continued U.S. support in strengthening critical infrastructure that enhances operational readiness and promotes regional peace and security.
Mudavadi noted that the visit coincided with the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the Manda Bay runway, describing it as a landmark step in security and development cooperation.
“This sends a strong message that security remains paramount, and that Kenya and the wider region continue to receive substantial support in counterterrorism efforts,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Landau held talks with President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, where they reviewed gains made so far and explored ways of advancing future cooperation between Kenya and the United States.
