President William Ruto held talks with U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
During the meeting, they agreed to conclude a trade agreement by the end of the year and committed to boost American investment in Kenya and strengthen security cooperation, especially in counter-terrorism.
“On regional issues, Secretary Rubio commended Kenya’s leadership and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to closer cooperation in advancing peace and security across the region,” said Ruto.
The talks also covered the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which Ruto said remains key to Kenya’s economic growth.
Later, President Ruto and California Governor Gavin Newsom witnessed the signing of the California-Africa Climate and Economic Partnership.
The partnership focuses on clean transport, electric mobility, green ports, climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and digital innovation.
It also includes plans to set up a Centre of Excellence on Clean Transport Systems in Kenya.
“As part of the agreement, a Centre of Excellence on Clean Transport Systems in Africa will be established in Kenya to drive innovation and knowledge exchange. This makes Kenya the first African country to sign an MoU with California; the world’s fourth-largest economy,” Ruto stated.
