Ruto meets with Trump’s senior advisor Massad Boulos at State House
President William Ruto met with Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to US President Donald Trump, as Kenya braces for the impact of a new 10 per cent tariff imposed by the United States on its exports.
Receiving Boulo on Sunday, April 6, 2025, Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s strong relationship with the United States and emphasized the nation’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties.
He highlighted areas of cooperation that include trade, investment, food security, and regional stability in the Horn of Africa.
“Kenya acknowledges the strong cooperation it enjoys with the United States of America. We commit to step up these ties, especially in the areas of trade, investment, food security, and stability in the Horn of Africa, for our mutual success,” Ruto remarked.
Boulos, appointed as Senior Advisor for Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs to President Trump in December 2024, is currently on a diplomatic mission across Africa. His tour, which began on April 3, 2025, has seen him visit the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda. The focus of his mission is to promote sustainable peace in eastern DRC and encourage U.S. private sector investment throughout Africa.
Before meeting President Ruto, Boulos had a discussion with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Mudavadi, in a statement following the meeting, expressed appreciation for Boulos’ recognition of Kenya’s efforts in regional peacekeeping and stability.
“We appreciate Dr. Boulos’ recognition of Kenya’s proactive role in fostering peace and economic recovery in the region. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with the U.S. in achieving lasting solutions,” Mudavadi said.
Tariffs
The new tariff, signed into law by President Trump, is expected to affect Kenya’s trade with the U.S., valued at Ksh109.7 billion (784 million USD). This development has raised concerns among Kenyan policymakers and businesses, as the tariff is set to impose significant challenges on the country’s export sector.
Trump announced new tariffs, pointing to persistent trade imbalances and issues related to currency manipulation as the main drivers behind the move.
The 10 per cent base tariff will be imposed on all goods imported into the U.S. from 185 countries, including Kenya. Some of the country’s key trading partners are expected to face even steeper duties.
“Today we are standing up for the American worker and we are finally putting America first ; one of the most important days, in my opinion, in American history.”
Trump claimed that the Value Added Tax (VAT) system used by many countries, including Kenya, puts American products at a disadvantage. He argued that when US goods are sold in these countries, VAT makes them more expensive, reducing their competitiveness.
