By Judy Maina
NAIROBI, Kenya. — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced plans to visit Kenya in the near future, signaling a renewed commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties and regional security cooperation between the two nations.
The announcement comes weeks after a previously scheduled trip to Nairobi was abruptly canceled.
The decision to proceed with the visit was confirmed following high-level discussions in Washington, D.C., between Secretary Rubio and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi.
During their meeting, the two officials discussed a range of issues, including regional peace efforts, trade and investment, and the deepening of diplomatic engagement between the United States and Kenya.
“Kenya and the United States continue to build on decades of shared values and strategic cooperation,” Secretary Mudavadi stated. “We discussed regional peace and security, expanded trade and investment, and deepened diplomatic engagement.”
Secretary Rubio expressed his intention to visit Kenya to further solidify the strategic partnership between the two countries. While no official date has been confirmed, sources suggest the visit could occur before the end of June.
The upcoming visit is expected to address key areas of mutual interest, including Kenya’s leadership role in regional stability and its involvement in the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti. The United States has reaffirmed its strong support for Kenya’s efforts in promoting peace and security across Africa and the Caribbean.
This development marks a significant step in revitalizing U.S.-Kenya relations, which had experienced a period of uncertainty following the cancellation of Secretary Rubio’s earlier trip.
Analysts say, the renewed engagement underscores both nations’ commitment to collaborative efforts in addressing regional challenges and enhancing bilateral cooperation.
