Kenya is keen on strengthening long-term trade and investment ties with the United States after a government delegation led by Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui, concluded talks in Washington DC with American leaders in government and business.

Kinyanjui accompanied by Principal Secretary for Trade Regina Ombam, senior officials in the ministry, and diplomatic representatives from Kenya’s embassy in Washington, undertook a three-day mission aimed at boosting economic cooperation and addressing market access challenges facing Kenyan exporters.

Talks focused on safeguarding Kenya’s export future beyond the expiry of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and on resolving tariff measures that have been affecting a wider export portfolio.

Kinyanjui said the government sought a predictable framework that would protect trade interests and open new investment opportunities.

Addressing participants at the US Chamber of Commerce, the cabinet secretary explained Kenya’s position as a reliable investment destination and gateway to Africa’s expanding market. He pointed out that the country’s stability, anchored on democratic governance and a strong constitution, continued to attract investor confidence.

“Kenya offered a solid policy and regulatory framework, a stable currency, capital mobility, robust investor protection measures, and a skilled workforce. These were complemented by infrastructure that supported trade and investment,” he said.

Citi Bank, NASDAQ, Cigna Healthcare, Siemens Healthcare, Vantive, American Tower Corporation, Tidal Basin Advisors, BowerGroup Asia and the Burns Brothers were among the companies represented at the session, where discussions explored opportunities in healthcare, digital trade, renewable energy-powered data centres, and infrastructure.

Kinyanjui assured participants that the government remained committed to a predictable, transparent and investor-friendly environment.

He explained that foreign firms operating in Kenya were benefiting from incentives designed to enhance competitiveness and profitability, making the country one of Africa’s most attractive destinations for investment.

“Our stability and commitment to reform provided the foundation for a conducive investment climate. We wanted American firms to view Kenya not only as a destination but also as a springboard to the wider African market,” he said.

Investor interest from US companies has been growing steadily, reflecting confidence in Kenya’s economic potential and its role as a strategic entry point into Africa.

Kinyanjui added that Kenya was ready for partnerships that would drive innovation, create jobs, and expand trade flows between the two countries.

The Kenyan delegation also showcased efforts to diversify exports, with greater focus on industries aligned with global trends such as digital trade and renewable energy.

The cabinet secretary noted that investment in green-powered data centres would not only position Kenya as a continental leader in digital transformation but also advance the government’s sustainability agenda.

Principal Secretary for Trade Ombam, said the engagements came at a critical time as Kenya sought to navigate the changing global trade landscape.

“Our objective was to secure market access for Kenyan products while deepening investment partnerships that would drive inclusive growth at home,” she said.

Kenya and the United States share a long history of cooperation based on mutual benefit. Kinyanjui observed that the visit created an important opportunity to strengthen those ties by opening new doors for business and investment in both countries.

Analysts noted that the discussions were significant as AGOA, which for years has provided duty-free access to US markets for African exports, approaches expiry.

Kenya is keen to negotiate a sustainable arrangement that would protect jobs, expand exports and enhance bilateral relations with the United States. The mission took place at a time of rising interest from international investors in sectors such as healthcare, finance, renewable energy and digital infrastructure.

Experts believe that securing stronger trade frameworks with the US would help Kenya cement its position as a continental hub while boosting economic resilience.

Kinyanjui’s mission to Washington underlined the government’s proactive approach to diplomacy and trade promotion. With emphasis on strategic partnerships, the delegation was expected to return with concrete outcomes that would shape the future of Kenya-US economic relations.

The visit was marked by a series of engagements with US trade leaders and business representatives, laying the groundwork for deeper economic cooperation and new opportunities for Kenyan exports.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Naif Rashid