NAIROBI — Kenya and the United States are close to finalising a strategic agreement on critical minerals, President William Ruto has said, marking a potential boost in economic and geopolitical ties between Nairobi and Washington.
Speaking on Thursday, Ruto said negotiations were advancing toward a deal aimed at expanding investment in Kenya’s mining sector, strengthening supply chain security, and supporting joint development of minerals crucial for clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
The proposed agreement is expected to cover exploration, processing, and value addition of key resources, alongside regulatory reforms designed to attract foreign investors into Kenya’s extractive industries.
Ruto said the partnership reflects growing interest from the United States in diversifying supply chains for strategic minerals used in batteries, electronics, and renewable energy technologies.
Kenya has been positioning its mining sector as a key driver of future economic growth, with officials saying the deal could unlock new revenue streams, boost industrialisation, and create jobs in resource-rich regions.
The announcement comes amid intensifying global competition for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, graphite, and rare earth elements, which are essential for the global energy transition and high-tech manufacturing.
While details of the agreement remain under discussion, both sides are expected to continue technical talks in the coming weeks ahead of a possible formal signing.
If concluded, the deal would represent one of the most significant economic cooperation frameworks between Kenya and the United States in recent years, further strengthening Kenya’s role as a regional investment and trade hub.
