Kenya and the United States are exploring deeper cooperation in critical minerals and nuclear energy, following talks between President William Ruto and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York. The US said Kenya’s critical-mineral opportunities could position the country as a key player while creating opportunities for American companies to support local value addition.
Critical minerals discussed include resources such as niobium and rare earth elements, with Kenya seeking to develop domestic processing rather than exporting minerals in raw form. The Mrima Hill deposit in Kwale County, which contains niobium and rare earths, is particularly significant. The discussions build on a preliminary Kenya-US minerals agreement announced in June, under which Kenya said minerals from Mrima Hill would be processed locally.
The two sides also discussed nuclear energy, building on the 2022 Kenya-US Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation. The framework provides a basis for cooperation on peaceful nuclear energy as Kenya continues developing its nuclear programme and considers the technology as part of its long-term electricity strategy.
Beyond minerals and nuclear energy, Ruto and Rubio discussed artificial intelligence, trade and regional security. Ruto welcomed the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and said Kenya and the US were exploring AI applications in health, education and financial services. Regional discussions covered the security mission in Somalia, stability in Haiti and efforts towards a ceasefire and political settlement in Sudan.