Kenya, US sign deal allowing diplomatic dependants to work in either country

Nairobi, Kenya witnessed the signing of a reciprocal agreement on September 7, enabling eligible dependants of government and diplomatic employees to work while accompanying their relatives on official postings in either Kenya or the United States. This deal, announced by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei alongside Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, aims to enhance economic opportunities for dependents during diplomatic assignments and bolster people-to-people connections between the two nations.

During the signing ceremony, the two officials reviewed various facets of the Kenya-US partnership within the framework of their bilateral strategic dialogue. The agreement is part of a larger effort to deepen their strategic partnership, with discussions encompassing trade, investment, healthcare, critical minerals, defense, and regional security.

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi emphasized that the relationship should yield tangible benefits for citizens, such as job creation, investment, improved healthcare, and enhanced security. The talks come amid efforts to expand economic ties between Kenya and the US, building on the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) through 2028 and ongoing reciprocal trade negotiations.

Mudavadi also highlighted that Kenya would utilize its hosting of the Fourth Kenya-US Bilateral Strategic Dialogue in December 2026 to further advance mutual interests, focusing on areas such as economic cooperation, healthcare, technology, and regional security. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia, who visited Nairobi, is expected to engage with the Kenyan business community on trade and investment prospects, aiming to attract more US capital and expand market access.