Kenya: Mudavadi, Garcia Chart Deeper Kenya-Us Cooperation On Trade, Health, Security and Critical Minerals

What the report says

Kenya and the United States are moving to widen their strategic cooperation after talks in Nairobi between Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Frank Garcia, the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. The discussions, reported on 7 September 2026, covered trade and investment, health, critical minerals, defence, and regional security.

According to the report, the two sides want to build on existing ties by expanding commercial links and using current trade frameworks, including the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which has been extended through 2028. Health cooperation was also a key focus, with attention on reducing cancer treatment costs and supporting broader healthcare access. Mudavadi said the partnership should deliver practical benefits such as jobs, investment, improved healthcare and stronger security for Kenyans.

The article says Garcia was in Kenya on an official visit and that the US Embassy highlighted meetings with business and sector stakeholders. Mudavadi also said the countries would use Kenya’s hosting of the Fourth Kenya-US Bilateral Strategic Dialogue in December 2026 to advance cooperation further. In addition, he oversaw the signing of the Kenya-United States Bilateral Work Agreement at Railways Building in Nairobi, with Garcia and Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'Oei signing the document.

The report presents the talks as part of a wider effort to turn long-standing diplomatic ties into more visible economic and security gains. It also reflects a broader regional context in which Kenya has sought to attract more US investment while maintaining a central role in peace and security discussions in East Africa.