President William Ruto will on Monday, December 12, 2022, evening jet out of the country to the United States of America where he is expected to attend the US-Africa Leaders’ Summit.
State House Spokesperson Hussien Mohammed in a press release said the three-day summit, scheduled to run from December 13, 2022, to December 15, 2022, offers an opportunity for African leaders to shape the continent’s partnership with the US in a range of sectors including Trade, the economy, security and political relations.
“The priority is to scale up measures that support resilience and recovery from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the climate crisis that has seen the continent disproportionate consequences,” read part of the statement.
The US is one of the largest export destinations for Kenyan products under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). It is also a leading partner for Kenya’s development agenda as well as regional peace, security and multilateral cooperation.
Textile and apparel products, which have dominated exports under Agoa since it was enacted in 2000, remain the main items in Kenya-US trade, defying efforts made at product diversification over the 18 years. Edible fruit and nuts (mostly nuts), titanium ores and concentrates as well as coffee are other top US imports from Kenya.
Expand US-Africa relations
In strengthening Kenya’s bilateral ties with the US, the State House says, the President will advocate the inclusion of the Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership Agreement and support African countries’ push to expand US-Africa relations through the renewal of AGOA.
“The President will deliver a statement on ‘The Future of Africa’s Trade and Investment Relations with the US’, and address the summit and partnering in agenda 2063, and specifically on A Peaceful and Secure Africa,” State House Spokesperson said.
While in the US, President Ruto will also engage the private sector and pitch for expanded partnerships in trade and investments, better access of Kenyan products to the US market and the creation of jobs and other opportunities for Kenyans.
