President William Ruto has reaffirmed that Kenya’s expanding engagement with the United States is firmly anchored on national sovereignty, equitable development and long-term transformation under the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Speaking on Wednesday during the 12th National and County Coordinating Summit at State House, Nairobi, the President emphasized that Kenya will only pursue agreements that advance the interests and welfare of its citizens.
The Head of State stated that the ongoing bilateral discussions with the United States are designed to secure Kenya’s strategic future, insisting that “no agreement will be implemented without safeguarding national welfare and equity for all citizens.”
He said the government remains committed to ensuring that international cooperation strengthens the economic foundation of households across the country.
President Ruto described his recent engagements in Washington, D.C. as a milestone in Kenya, US relations, calling them a watershed moment in Kenya-United States relations.
He noted that these interactions mark a new phase of collaboration in trade, investment, health systems and industrial expansion, areas he said are essential for sustainable national growth.
According to the President, the new collaboration will support expanded market access, the development of new value chains, and the growth of African-based manufacturing.
He highlighted that these initiatives are expected to generate sustainable employment for Kenya’s youth, a key pillar of the BETA agenda.
In the health sector, President Ruto reaffirmed that the partnership will boost the country’s efforts to strengthen the entire primary healthcare system.
He said the cooperation will support disease surveillance, enhance primary healthcare capacity and accelerate universal health coverage, aligning with the human-centred development pillar that guides BETA and the ongoing nationwide health sector reforms.
He added that ongoing reforms under BETA will be further strengthened by international partnerships that place Kenyan families at the centre of development.
The Head of State maintained that this approach ensures Kenya’s development pathway remains inclusive and protective of the nation’s most vulnerable communities.
The President also highlighted growing global interest in Kenya’s digital transformation journey. He said international partners are ready to invest significantly in the country’s digital economy, infrastructure and clean energy transition.
President Ruto stated that this readiness reflects confidence in Kenya’s economic direction, noting that the growing partnerships represent a new era of shared prosperity and long-term economic transformation.
He reiterated that Kenya’s economic future depends on high-value sectors such as technology, energy and industrial production, sectors he said are now receiving enhanced global attention because of the country’s reform agenda and stable investment environment.
President Ruto stressed that the interests of Kenyan households remain at the centre of every cooperative arrangement.
He said the vision is to advance national growth by empowering families and communities to participate in emerging economic opportunities while benefiting directly from the resulting progress.
Beyond economic matters, the President affirmed that the partnership with the United States also extends to peace and security, areas in which Kenya continues to play a regional leadership role.
He said cooperation will support counterterrorism operations, enhance maritime stability and strengthen regional diplomacy across key regions including the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes.
He stressed that these shared security commitments reinforce Kenya’s reputation as a trusted anchor of peace, stability and responsible global engagement.
According to the President, these relationships are essential for maintaining regional stability and protecting national interests amidst evolving global dynamics.
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki attended the summit alongside the President, as national and county leaders reviewed progress under BETA and discussed future coordination across all levels of government.
Deputy Presiedent Kithure Kindiki addressing Governors during the 12th National and County Governments Coordinating Summit at State House, Nairobi on December 10,2025.PHOTO/PCS
