Ruto hosts delegation from US amid scrutiny on China ties
By Aloys Michael, August 11, 2025President William Ruto hosted a high-level delegation from the United States, underscoring Kenya’s deepening engagement with American partners amid increasing international scrutiny over its growing ties with China.
The delegation, led by California Secretary of Transportation Toks Omishakin and accompanied by US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Carla Benini, reflects Washington’s renewed interest in East Africa’s political, economic, and technological trajectory.
“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,” Ruto said in a statement posted on his X account on Monday, August 11, 2025.
The visit comes as the US keeps a close watch on regional developments and Kenya’s evolving global alignments, including its strategic partnerships with China.
However, Ruto used the opportunity to highlight Kenya’s commitment to transparent international collaboration rooted in innovation, sustainability, and mutual benefit.
“The natural synergy with Kenya’s Silicon Savannah and a tech-savvy, youthful workforce. These are unmatched opportunities for collaboration,” he said.
President Ruto emphasised Kenya’s global leadership in renewable energy, citing the country’s 93 per cent clean energy grid and ambitious targets of 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2030 and 100 gigawatts by 2040.
“We are advancing clean energy systems, smart agriculture, research, AI, trade, and clean transportation,” the statement read.
Ruto cited the upcoming Africa Clean Transportation Centre of Excellence in Nairobi as a flagship hub for sustainable mobility in the region.
The meeting explored opportunities for public-private partnerships in infrastructure, sustainable transport, and green technology areas where both Kenya and California see strong potential for mutual gain.
Ruto China-US matrix
The meeting came amid increasing scrutiny on Kenya’s relations with China. However, the head of state has defended Kenya’s deepening trade ties with China, even as the United States Senate seeks a review of Washington’s decision to designate Kenya a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA), citing what it calls an “undesired dalliance with an enemy.”
Speaking on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, during the Presidential Private Sector Roundtable, Ruto said Kenya’s engagement with China is motivated by the need to expand markets for its exports, not by ideological alignment.
“We have concluded the high-level conversation with China. They have agreed to a reciprocal arrangement between Kenya and China. They have agreed to remove all the tariffs on our tea, coffee, avocado, and other agricultural exports. That’s a breakthrough for us,” he said.
Ruto acknowledged that the evolving relationship had caused discomfort among some of Kenya’s traditional Western allies, but maintained that his administration’s priority is to advance the country’s economic interests.
“It’s partly why I have a bit of a problem with some of our friends, but it is what I must do for Kenya. It is in the best interest of Kenya that we get into this market. Some of our friends are complaining that we are doing too much trade with China,” he said.
The president added that he had raised concerns about the trade imbalance between Kenya and China in direct talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“When I sat with President Xi, we had a very candid conversation. I told him that Kenya is importing Ksh600 billion of products from China, but only sending about five per cent of our exports there. That’s a serious trade imbalance… that’s why they have opened up their market for our agricultural products,” Ruto said.
By focusing on climate leadership and digital innovation, Ruto is positioning Kenya not only as a regional anchor but as a trusted partner for global powers navigating Africa’s rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.