The U.S. established diplomatic relations with Kenya in 1964, following its December 1963 independence from the United Kingdom. The U.S. and Kenya have enjoyed cordial relations and an enduring strategic partnership since Kenya’s independence. Longstanding mutual interests in the region and wide-ranging cooperation on economic and security issues underpin a strong bilateral relationship. Ethnic-based political divisions, interference in key institutions,
The U.S. established diplomatic relations with Kenya in 1964, following its December 1963 independence from the United Kingdom. The U.S. and Kenya have enjoyed cordial relations and an enduring strategic partnership since Kenya’s independence. Longstanding mutual interests in the region and wide-ranging cooperation on economic and security issues underpin a strong bilateral relationship. Ethnic-based political divisions, interference in key institutions, corruption, and impunity pose challenges to Kenya’s democracy.
As an important developing partner in East Africa, Kenya is a significant recipient of U.S. foreign assistance. The U.S. seeks to advance its national security and economic prosperity interests by helping strengthen economic stability, security, health, education, environment, rule of law, and democratic governance in Kenya, as well as by countering violent extremism and combating wildlife trafficking.
Bilateral Economic Relations
Kenya is East Africa’s largest and most important business, financial, and transportation hub. U.S. private sector interest in Kenya remains robust with numerous American companies engaged in Kenya, especially within the technology, consumer services, banking, and finance sectors. U.S. exports to Kenya include agricultural products, aircraft parts, and machinery. U.S. imports from Kenya include apparel, coffee, and tea.
Integrated Country Strategies
The Integrated Country Strategy is the four-year strategy articulating U.S. priorities in a given country. The Chief of Mission leads the strategy.
The Investment Climate Statements analyze a variety of economies that are or could be markets for U.S. businesses and provide information on the business climates.
Since August, 2021 the United States has donated 12,325,180 safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine doses with the people of Kenya. This includes 9,386,910 Pfizer, 1,760,920 Moderna and 1,177,350 J&J doses. Of the 12,325,180 vaccine doses, 100% were donated in partnership with COVAX.
The United States is committed to leading an international and coordinated effort to accelerate access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines to meet global needs. The United States is working with other governments and partners including COVAX, Caricom, and the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT) to protect communities from COVID-19 and apply lessons from this pandemic to enhance health security now and in the future.