President William Ruto has reached out to the US government over trade ties and diplomatic relations.

The call came amid President Donald Trump’s tight tariffs and weeks to the expiry of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

Why Ruto called Donald Trump’s administration

Ruto engaged the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a telephone conversation on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

In a post on his X platform, the head of state said the discussions featured bilateral cooperation for the long-term benefits of both countries’ economies.

“I have had a telephone conversation with the U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, Marco Rubio, on a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues.

“At the bilateral level, we underscored the importance of strengthening Kenya–U.S. relations and agreed to deepen cooperation for the long-term benefit of our people and nations,” said Ruto

Ruto’s administration continued to push for the Strategic Investment Partnership (STIP) agreement with the US, which has taken more than three years to materialise.

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In January 2025, Ruto called the Trump administration to discuss the need to conclude the trade agreement, which began in July 2022 under Joe Biden’s administration.

Kenya’s efforts to revive US trade ties

Meanwhile, Kenya sent a delegation led by Trade Cabinet Secretary (CS) Lee Kinyanjui to Washington, D.C. for a three-day working tour.

CS Kinyanjui said the tour aimed at strengthening trade and investment relations between Kenya and the United States.

“The central focus of the discussions is securing Kenya’s long-term trade and investment interests, with particular attention to safeguarding Kenya’s exports beyond the expiry of AGOA and addressing tariff measures impacting our broader export portfolio,” said Kinyanjui.

What the US said about Kenya ties

Meanwhile, President Trump’s administration has been raising alarm over Kenya’s ties with China.

In May 2025, US Senate Foreign Relations Committee chair Senator Jim Risch warned that relying on leaders who embrace China is a threat to Americans.

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The US said it could review Kenya’s non-NATO ally status over shifting diplomatic direction.

However, President Ruto defended Kenya’s ties with China, insisting that trade benefits with China outweighed concerns from Western allies.

More to follow…

Source: TUKO.co.ke