President William Ruto held a pivotal phone call with U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio just weeks ahead of his upcoming visit to the United States.
The Kenyan President and Secretary Rubio discussed a wide range of issues spanning bilateral relations, regional security, and global concerns. Among the key topics was the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti, where both leaders expressed support for a United Nations resolution to establish a UN support office aimed at stabilizing and securing the country.
President Ruto also highlighted the ongoing situation in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The conversation reaffirmed Kenya and the U.S.’s shared commitment to peace and sustainable security in the region, particularly through EAC–SADC interventions. The two leaders agreed there is no military solution to the crisis and emphasized a push for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, including the contested capture of Goma and Bukavu by the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group.
At the bilateral level, Ruto and Rubio underscored the importance of deepening Kenya–U.S. ties, with plans to expand cooperation for the long-term benefit of both nations. This marks the fourth phone conversation between the two leaders since President Trump’s second term began.
Looking ahead to his upcoming U.S. visit, President Ruto announced that he will engage with international cultural and technology leaders. Notably, he will meet with organizers of the Grammy Awards to fast-track plans for world-class music studios in Nairobi, with the ultimate goal of hosting an African edition of the Grammys at the Talanta Hela Stadium.
Ruto also confirmed plans to meet executives from major global tech companies, including Meta, to foster collaboration benefiting Kenyan creators. Initiatives under discussion include integrating M-PESA into social media platforms for more efficient and accessible payments for artists and innovators.
This will be President Ruto’s first U.S. trip since January, and officials say it will strengthen both Kenya’s international partnerships and its positioning as a creative and technological hub in Africa.
Reporting by Ehud Jones.
