NAIROBI, Kenya- President William Ruto and United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio have discussed investment in Kenya’s critical minerals, signalling growing American interest in resources needed for clean energy, advanced manufacturing and defence technologies.
The two leaders met on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where they also discussed commercial diplomacy, health cooperation and regional security.
According to the US State Department, Rubio said Kenya’s mineral resources could position the country as an important player in the global sector while creating opportunities for American companies to invest in local value addition.
“Critical minerals opportunities in Kenya can position the country as a key player in the sector while presenting opportunities for US firms to provide value addition,” State Department Spokesman Tommy Pigott said in a readout of the meeting.
The statement did not identify particular investments, companies or the amount of financing under consideration.
What critical minerals does Kenya have?
Kenya’s 2025 Critical Mineral Catalogue identifies copper, coltan, rare earth elements, niobium, graphite, lithium, chromium, nickel and uranium among the country’s critical minerals.
These minerals are described as critical because they are essential to major industries but their global supply chains face disruption or are concentrated in a few countries.
Lithium, graphite and nickel are used in batteries, while copper is required for electricity networks and electronics.
Rare earth elements are used in electric motors, wind turbines, smartphones and defence systems.
Niobium strengthens steel used in pipelines, aircraft and other industrial equipment.
Government assessments have identified several prospective areas, including:
- Rare earth elements and niobium at Mrima Hill in Kwale County.
- Copper in the Kamacabi area of Tharaka Nithi County.
- Coltan around Kiritiri and Kiambere in Embu County.
- Coltan and chromite in the Nachola area of Samburu County.
- Manganese in the Lali Hills of Tana River County.
A government assessment describes Mrima Hill as a host for rare earth elements and niobium ores, although further development would be subject to Kenya’s legal, environmental and licensing processes.
What would value addition mean?
Value addition would involve processing or refining minerals in Kenya instead of exporting them in raw form. The approach could create jobs, increase export earnings and allow local industries to capture a larger share of the minerals’ final value.
However, the State Department readout did not announce a signed mining agreement or grant US firms rights to any Kenyan deposits.
Any projects would also have to address environmental protection, public participation, community benefits and revenue sharing.
Kenya’s Constitution places mineral resources under the national government to be held in trust for the people and requires equitable sharing of the benefits arising from their exploitation.
Rubio described Kenya, a major non-NATO ally, as a vital American partner in regional trade, health and security.
The two leaders also discussed Kenya’s role in resolving regional conflicts and cooperation under the US America First Global Health Strategy.
