The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening ties with Kenya’s next generation of leaders, following a high-level engagement hosted by the US Embassy in Nairobi on Thursday.
The event brought together emerging business and civic leaders for discussions focused on the future of US-Kenya relations and the expanding role of youth in shaping the country’s development trajectory.
US Chargé d’Affaires Susan Burns, who led the dialogue, underscored Washington’s long-standing partnership with Kenya.
She stressed that cooperation between the two countries has been strengthened by shared values and decades of collaboration across sectors.
“Our partnership is built on shared values, mutual respect, and a long history of collaboration across sectors, such as health, security, and commerce,” Burns said.
She highlighted the growing people-to-people connections and deepening investment links as central pillars of the bilateral relationship.
According to Burns, the creative industries are emerging as a particularly dynamic area for cooperation.
The embassy, she noted, is increasingly facilitating opportunities that link Kenyan innovators and artists with US partners, opening avenues for investment and commercial exchange.
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Susan Burns engages with young leaders on U.S.-Kenya partnership in Nairobi on December 11, 2025 PHOTO/US Embassy NairobiU.S. Chargé d’Affaires Susan Burns engages with young leaders on U.S.-Kenya partnership in Nairobi on December 11, 2025 PHOTOS/US Embassy Nairobi
The Chargé d’Affaires also drew attention to the recently signed five-year, $2.5 billion Health Cooperation Framework between the United States and Kenya, describing it as a landmark agreement that will expand joint efforts in healthcare delivery, disease prevention, and health systems strengthening.
Burns urged the young leaders in attendance to remain active participants in the country’s governance and economic transformation, emphasising the critical role of youth-driven innovation in sustaining bilateral progress.
“By partnering with youth and supporting their aspirations, our relationship can continue to grow, adapt, and deliver tangible benefits for both our countries,” she said.
Thursday’s engagement is part of ongoing US initiatives aimed at strengthening diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties with Kenya’s youth demographic, which constitutes the largest segment of the population.
The embassy has increasingly positioned young leaders at the centre of its outreach efforts, viewing them as essential contributors to future policy, entrepreneurship, and community development.
The meeting concluded with a call for continued collaboration, with both sides agreeing that the US-Kenya partnership will rely heavily on the energy, ideas, and leadership of the country’s rising generation.
