Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on Thursday engaged in crucial discussions with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, focusing primarily on matters of peace and security.
As the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Mudavadi affirms the significance of addressing conflicts in East Africa and the global impact of the Middle East crisis, particularly on logistics. In a statement shared on his official X account, Mudavadi highlights the aim of finding ways to mitigate the disruptive effects of these crises on the region’s people and economies. He also expresses satisfaction with Blinken’s positive response to Nairobi’s request for expedited negotiations on the Kenya-US Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP).
Additionally, Washington signals openness to consider an extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) beyond its current expiration date next year. Mudavadi believes that these initiatives will enhance Kenya’s and Africa’s access to the US market, providing expanded duty and quota-free benefits. The meeting also acknowledged both countries’ longstanding support in addressing global climate concerns, combating terrorism, and advocating for reforms in global development finance architecture.
Moreover, Kenya and the US recently solidified their dedication to strengthening bilateral trade and investment during a meeting in Nairobi. Negotiating teams from both nations, including Trade Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, discussed the progress of the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership.
The focus of the discussion centred on advancing mutual prosperity, security, human rights, and democratic values between the two nations. Miano emphasized their goal to promote economic prosperity, ensure security, protect human rights, and uphold democratic principles. These ongoing negotiations underscore Kenya and the US’s determination to establish a strategic alliance addressing comprehensive societal well-being.
