What President Kenyatta and Trump Discussed During Meeting in the Oval Office

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday held talks with his United States counterpart Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, DC where the two discussed a range of issues of mutual benefit.

Speaking at the meeting, Trump said the US enjoys a tremendous relationship with Kenya and was keen to cement the ties going forward.

Trump hailed Kenya's efforts in the fight against terrorism and pledged to continue giving its support even as the two nations also look to deepen trade relations.

“We are working on a major infrastructure project, a massive roadway that will be record-setting in many ways and we are going to conclude a lot of good things,” Trump said when he welcomed President Kenyatta.

Trump said teams from both nations were in the Cabinet Room and they would be “making some great deals for both countries.”

On his part, President Kenyatta invited the US to increase its trade and investments in Africa and particularly in Kenya.

“We have had very strong and excellent cooperation with the US in security and defence, especially in the fight against terrorism. Most important, we are here looking to enhance our partnership in trade and investment,” President Kenyatta said.

The two leaders agreed to boost the Kenya-US partnership in peace and security especially in the Horn of Africa.

“We do a lot of tourism, we do a lot of trade and defence. And we working very much in security right now,” President Trump said. “We appreciate very much your being with us here.”

Trump and Kenyatta also discussed the nonstop flights from Nairobi to New York by Kenya Airways that are scheduled to commence on October 28th.

They mentioned the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) as one of the main areas that will benefit from the direct flights from Nairobi.

Also agreed is the construction of a multi-billion shilling Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway by US construction firm, Bechtel Corporation.

“Both sides agreed to undertake further consultations to conclude the terms of the financing agreement,” the White House said in a statement.

“This and nearly $900 million in other commercial deals and engagements announced during the visit are expected to create thousands of American and Kenyan jobs, further enhancing the prosperity and economic competitiveness of both nations,” the statement added.