President William Ruto of Kenya met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. They discussed Kenya's potential to become a key player in the critical minerals sector, with opportunities for US firms to invest in local value addition. According to Rubio's spokesman, Tommy Pigott, the secretary said Kenya's critical minerals opportunities could position the country as a key player in the sector.
The talks between Ruto and Rubio covered various topics, including trade, regional security, health cooperation, artificial intelligence, and nuclear energy. Ruto said Kenya and the US were broadening their cooperation in emerging areas, including artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and nuclear energy. The two leaders exchanged views on the responsible governance of rapidly advancing AI technologies and explored opportunities for cooperation.
Kenya is seeking to shift from exporting raw minerals towards processing them locally, a policy Ruto has repeatedly emphasized is intended to retain more value from the country's natural resources. Recently, Ruto announced that Kenya would stop exporting raw minerals and instead require greater local processing. This policy aims to create jobs and increase the value generated from Kenya's natural resources.
The US has expressed support for Kenya in developing its critical minerals processing industry, including opportunities around the Mrima Hill deposit on the Kenyan coast. Rubio said Kenya remained a vital US partner for shared priorities in the region, citing the country's status as a major non-NATO ally and its growing trade relationship with Washington.
Ruto's visit to New York includes discussions on investment, trade, technology, and Africa's role in the global economy. He is expected to push Kenya's interests in energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, health, agriculture, and artificial intelligence. The President also met with Kenyans living in the US and defended his administration's economic record.
Ruto's New York programme includes business engagements aimed at attracting investment into Kenya. He is expected to co-chair business roundtables involving the Africa Finance Corporation and Global Africa Business Initiative alongside businessman Aliko Dangote. The discussions are expected to touch on major investments, including the planned Sh2.2 trillion East Africa Refinery in Lamu.
The President's UNGA engagements come as Kenya seeks a stronger voice in global economic and technology discussions, including the growing artificial intelligence economy. Ruto has also backed efforts to deepen the contribution of Kenyans living abroad beyond remittances, saying they are a vital part of Kenya's growth story through investment, expertise, innovation, and global networks.
Key points
- Kenya aims to stop exporting raw minerals and require greater local processing to create jobs and increase the value generated from its natural resources.
- The US has expressed support for Kenya in developing its critical minerals processing industry.
- Ruto and Rubio discussed various topics, including trade, regional security, health cooperation, artificial intelligence, and nuclear energy.
