NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto held a late-night telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday, focusing on trade partnerships, regional peace, and the Kenyan-led Haiti peace mission.
The discussions underscored the deepening cooperation between Kenya and the United States on key global and regional issues.
“We discussed the need to conclude the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP) agreement that seeks to increase investment, promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth by unlocking the existing economic opportunities,” Ruto announced on X.
I have had a telephone conversation with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio on a variety of issues of mutual concern for our two countries. We discussed the need to conclude the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP) agreement that seeks to increase…
The STIP agreement is expected to boost trade between the two nations by fostering investment and addressing existing barriers, an initiative closely watched by economic observers as both nations seek to solidify their ties.
Regional peace and security formed a significant part of the dialogue, with Secretary Rubio commending Kenya’s ongoing efforts to stabilize conflict-prone areas.
The leaders discussed the dire humanitarian crisis in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and ongoing efforts to mediate peace.
“I am glad that the U.S. has committed to continue to deploy its capabilities to support Kenya’s peace mission in the region,” Ruto noted, signaling strengthened U.S.-Kenya cooperation in tackling insecurity in areas such as Sudan, South Sudan, and Somalia.
The crisis in Eastern DRC has escalated, with M23 rebels making significant territorial gains and launching an assault on Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.
As Chair of the East African Community (EAC), the situation prompted Ruto to convene an emergency summit scheduled for Wednesday to address the deteriorating situation.
Ruto has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire in the region, expressing concern over the closure of Goma’s airspace, which has hindered the delivery of humanitarian aid.
On the Haiti mission, Ruto and Rubio reportedly agreed on a joint strategy to ensure the Kenyan-led operation restores peace in the conflict-stricken Caribbean nation.
The mission, which Kenya has taken a leadership role in, aims to stabilize the region after years of political and gang-related unrest.
This conversation comes on the heels of Ruto’s high-level diplomatic engagements with African Union leaders and French President Emmanuel Macron, where the Eastern DRC crisis was also a focal point.
Meanwhile, the U.S., France, and Britain have condemned Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebels, a charge Kigali has repeatedly denied.
The accusations highlight the complexities of the conflict, further complicating efforts to achieve peace in the region.
