Kenya Signs Another Pact with the US as Two-Day Bilateral Talks with Trump Officials End

Kenya and the United States have signed another agreement as the two-day bilateral talks in Washington ended on Wednesday.

Officials have announced that the two countries have signed a renewed Security Governance Joint Country Action Plan, which aims at boosting cooperation in governance, anti-corruption, and civilian security.

The pact was struck at the end of the inaugural Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD), an annual forum established following a meeting between President Kenyatta and his US counterpart Donald Trump at White House last August.

Kenya and the US have also resolved to work together on counter-terrorism through collaboration in defense, maritime surveillance, and intelligence sharing.

“The United States and Kenya signed an updated Security Governance Joint Country Action Plan to enhance bilateral cooperation on civilian security, governance, and anti-corruption efforts,” the US State Department says.

“The two governments reaffirmed their commitment to degrade Al-Shabaab and agreed to work with UN Security Council partners to sanction Al-Shabaab and other terror groups operating in the Horn of Africa.”

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amb. Monica Juma and her Interior Counterpart Dr. Fred Matiangi led the Kenyan delegation in the talks with Trump officials.

Others in the Kenyan team include Political and Diplomatic Ambassador Tom Omollo, and Trade Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo.

Kenya has also assured the US of its commitment to the United Nations convention on refugees.

“The United States welcomed Kenya’s commitment to register all refugees and will work with Kenya to fulfill its commitments to ensure refugees have access to healthcare, education, and livelihoods,” the Department of State adds.

The Kenyan delegation has further lobbied for improved trade under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan headed the US team in the discussions.

“We see the inaugural BSD which is a key deliverable from the August 27th meeting as proof that the United States and Kenya are prepared to do the hard but rewarding work to build our relationship to a much higher and stronger level,” Sullivan says.

“US and Kenyan teams discussed ways to discuss our joint goals under the BSD’s four pillars: economic prosperity, trade, and investment, defense cooperation, democracy, governance and civilian security, and multilateral and regional issues."

“Finalizing key infrastructure deals, deepening our security cooperation and enhancing civilian security and governance assistance are just a few of the topics BSD addresses,” he adds.

Next year’s Bilateral Strategic Dialogue will be held in Nairobi.