Ruto hosts US delegation amid scrutiny over China links

President Ruto host US delegation at State House.

President William Ruto on Monday hosted a high-level delegation from California State, led by Secretary of Transportation Toks Omishakin, at State House, Nairobi. 

The team included US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Carla Benini and private sector representatives.

Ruto said the visit underscored Kenya’s deepening engagement with the United States, even as the country faces international scrutiny over its growing trade with China.

“Kenya and the United States enjoy strong national and sub-national ties, with California, the wealthiest state in the US, being a key partner in innovation, sustainability, and shared prosperity,” he said.

The President outlined potential areas of cooperation, citing Kenya’s “Silicon Savannah” and youthful tech-savvy workforce.

 “We are advancing clean energy systems, smart agriculture, research, AI, trade, and clean transportation,” he noted.

He highlighted Kenya’s 93 per cent clean energy grid and targets of achieving 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2030 and 100 gigawatts by 2040. 

The meeting explored opportunities for public-private partnerships in infrastructure, sustainable transport, and green technology.

Benini commended Kenya’s leadership in AI and agriculture, noting similarities with California’s priorities in smart farming, renewable energy, and the creative economy.

 “When we do anything in Africa, we do it in Kenya first because of our shared interest in the rule of law and democracy,” she said.

The visit comes as Washington signals plans to closely monitor Kenya’s strategic partnerships, including with China. 

The US Senate has recently questioned Kenya’s designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally over what it terms “undesired dalliance” with Beijing.

Ruto defended the China ties, revealing a breakthrough in trade talks. “They have agreed to remove all tariffs on our tea, coffee, avocado, and other agricultural exports,” he said.

 “It’s partly why some of our friends are complaining, but it is in Kenya’s best interest to get into this market.”