US assures Kenya of continued support, pledges to deepen ties

US Chargé d’Affaires Susan Burns when she paid a courtesy call on Speaker of Kenya’s National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula on September 23, 2025/HANDOUT

The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Kenya across key sectors, promising to strengthen the longstanding bilateral relationship.

US Chargé d’Affaires Susan Burns made the assurance during a courtesy call on the Speaker of Kenya’s National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, on Monday.

Burns praised Kenya for its leadership role in promoting global peace, highlighting its intervention in Haiti as a notable example of international responsibility.

“Kenya deserves immense credit for what it has done,” Burns said. “The Haiti matter will be top of the agenda this week during the UN General Assembly. We understand the concern over financial questions; it has been a struggle but Kenya’s commitment has not gone unnoticed.”

The Speaker raised concerns over the recent US decision to withdraw funding for the Kenya-led mission in Haiti, which is slated to transition into a UN operation.

“There was anticipated financial support, there was a commitment, what happened? Kenya has done more than it needed to do,” Wetang’ula said.

Burns revealed that President William Ruto is expected to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, where discussions on the Haiti mission and broader US-Kenya relations will take center stage.

Wetang’ula also voiced worries about the impact of the suspension of USAID operations in Kenya, especially its effects on the health sector.

In response, Burns disclosed she had already engaged with Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to explore solutions to cushion the affected sectors.

“Even before USAID’s withdrawal, Kenya had achieved epidemic control in HIV, which is an incredible milestone worth celebrating,” Burns said.

“The US still remains the largest donor in health and humanitarian assistance.”

The talks further covered trade and economic cooperation. The Speaker expressed concerns about the 10 percent tariff on Kenyan exports to the US, warning of its negative consequences on trade and growth.

Burns explained that both countries are preparing to negotiate a broad, comprehensive trade agreement.

“We are waiting for our US trade representative to give us a green light, but negotiations will start very soon,” she said.

On investment, Burns pledged to encourage US technology companies to invest in Kenya’s creative industry, describing it as a “sleeping giant” full of untapped opportunities for the youth.

The Speaker urged the US to take a more proactive role in promoting peace and stability in East Africa and beyond.

“The US, Kenya, and the UN are guarantors of South Sudan’s independence, but we have allowed it to degenerate into a failed state. We need serious international intervention,” Wetang’ula said.