President William Ruto‘s recent high-profile visit to the United States has yielded significant benefits for Kenya, both financially and diplomatically.
During the four-day state visit, President Ruto and U.S. President Joe Biden signed numerous agreements spanning various government and private sectors.
Notably, Kenya became the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to be designated as a major partner of NATO, underscoring the deepening strategic relationship between the two nations.
The White House expressed satisfaction with the 60-year relationship that Kenya and the U.S. have shared.
The agreements signed will see substantial U.S. financial support directed towards various sectors in Kenya, including democracy, human rights, governance, health, climate solutions, trade and investment, digital technology, and security cooperation.
The U.S. has pledged approximately sh.5.3 billion ($40 million) to bolster democracy, human rights, and governance in Kenya.
An additional sh.93 million ($700,000) will support the implementation of the Public Benefit Corporation Act.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has also announced sh.173 million ($1.3 million) for a youth empowerment program aimed at strengthening political cooperation at the local level, and sh.80 million ($600,000) to promote the integration of disabled individuals.
In a bid to support Kenya’s fight against corruption, the U.S. has committed sh.66 million ($500,000) for a new Financial Integrity program and another sh.66 million ($500,000) to enhance anti-corruption advocacy.
Additional support includes sh.33 million ($250,000) through the global accountability program, sh.40 million ($300,000) for the Whistleblower Protection Act, and sh.358 million ($2.7 million) to improve enforcement of anti-fraud policies and laws.
The U.S. has announced a new partnership worth sh.929 million ($7 million) to modernize the Kenya National Police Service.
Further, sh.650 million ($4.9 million) will be allocated to improve cooperation in combating criminal networks in Kenya and other East African countries.
To support the Kenyan election process, sh.199 million ($1.5 million) will be provided to strengthen the election commission, political parties, and campaign funds.
In the health sector, the U.S. will invest sh.4.1 billion ($31 million) to develop and deploy digital health solutions aimed at supporting disease programs in Kenya.
The education sector will benefit from sh.66 million ($500,000) dedicated to the development of Kenyan students, scientists, researchers, and engineers.
Additionally, USAID plans to invest sh.3.2 billion ($24.5 million) in the Kenya Literacy Program (KPLP), a national pre-primary education initiative in collaboration with the Kenyan Ministry of Education.
Support for women’s entrepreneurship and gender equality in Kenya’s energy sector will be boosted by sh.40 million ($300,000).
Moreover, sh.478 million ($3.6 million) will accelerate the connection of homes, businesses, and institutions to clean electricity.
Investments will also be made in hydropower projects and the transition to zero-emission vehicles.
President Ruto’s visit to the United States has not only strengthened the bilateral relationship but also secured critical support for various sectors, positioning Kenya for significant advancements in governance, health, education, and infrastructure.
These agreements mark a new chapter in Kenya-U.S. relations, with promises of continued collaboration and mutual growth.
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