US President Biden Holds Second Phone Conversation with Uhuru Kenyatta

US President Joe Biden on Thursday made an official call to President Kenyatta, where they discussed various issues of mutual interest to Kenya and the US.

During the phone conversation, the two leaders spoke about strengthening Kenya-US bilateral ties, the economy, peace and security, climate change, human rights, and the humanitarian situation in the Horn of Africa.

Biden assured Kenyatta of his commitment to upholding strong bilateral ties between the two nations, according to a statement from the White House.

Biden, who was sworn-in on January 20th, underscored the US continued commitment to working closely with Kenya to support regional peace and security.

“The President applauded Kenya’s leadership in the Horn of Africa and commitment to counterterrorism, economic growth, addressing climate change, and sustainable development,” reads the statement from the White House.

Also discussed in the phone call was the deteriorating humanitarian and human rights crises in Ethiopia’s Tigray region and the need to stop further loss of life and ensure humanitarian access. The two also spoke about the need for cooperation on other matters of regional stability.

On his part, Kenyatta expressed confidence that the conclusion of the ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Kenya and the US will cement the strong economic ties between the two countries. Kenya is the fourth largest trading partner of the US in the continent.

The negotiations commenced in July 2020, with a view of reaching a comprehensive agreement that will act as a model for similar pacts between the US and other African countries.

He also thanked Biden for the support Kenya continues to receive from the US in sectors such as healthcare, economy, security, and governance.

This was Biden's second phone call to President Kenyatta since his election in November last year.