Kenya and the United States are exploring cooperation in critical minerals, with Washington saying opportunities in the sector could position Kenya as a key player while creating opportunities for US firms to provide value addition. This was discussed during talks between US State Secretary Marco Rubio and President William Ruto on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. The US State Department confirmed the talks, which covered commercial diplomacy and regional peace and security.
Critical minerals are considered important to modern industries and technologies, including electronics, batteries, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and defence. Kenya has deposits of minerals that the government classifies as strategic, including niobium and rare earth elements found at the Mrima Hill deposit in Kwale County. Niobium is used mainly to strengthen steel and is important in the production of high-strength alloys used in infrastructure, transport, and energy applications.
The latest discussions build on a preliminary minerals deal between Kenya and the United States announced by President William Ruto in June 2026. Ruto said at the time that Kenya and the US had agreed that minerals from the Mrima Hill deposit would be processed in Kenya, allowing the country to capture more value from its mineral resources rather than exporting them in raw form. This deal aims to help Kenya benefit more from its mineral wealth.
Apart from the Mrima Hill deposits, Kenya produces minerals including rutile, ilmenite, and zirconium. According to the US Geological Survey, Kenya was the world's fourth-largest producer of rutile in 2024. However, mining at the country's only large-scale titanium mine in Kwale ended in December 2024 after its ore reserves were depleted. The US has signalled interest in helping Kenya develop its critical-minerals processing industry through investment and technical expertise.
The talks between Ruto and Rubio also covered cooperation in nuclear energy and artificial intelligence. Ruto said the two leaders exchanged views on the responsible governance of rapidly advancing AI technologies and explored opportunities for cooperation in critical minerals and nuclear energy. The nuclear discussions build on an existing Kenya-US cooperation framework, established through a Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation in December 2022.
President Ruto said Kenya and the US were also broadening cooperation in AI and its application in health, education, and financial services. On trade, Ruto welcomed the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, saying it would strengthen trade between Africa and the United States and expand economic opportunities. The two leaders also discussed regional peace and security, including sustaining the security mission in Somalia and supporting stability in Haiti.
The partnership between Kenya and the US was described as strong and enduring, anchored in trade, security, technology, and development. The two countries are working together on various initiatives, including addressing the humanitarian crisis in Sudan through efforts toward a ceasefire, political settlement, and continued regional engagement. The cooperation aims to promote peace, stability, and economic growth in the region.
Key points
- Kenya and US explore cooperation in critical minerals and nuclear energy
- Talks build on a preliminary minerals deal announced by President Ruto in June 2026
- Cooperation aims to promote peace, stability, and economic growth in the region
