A delegation from the government is expected to fly out to the United States in an attempt of strengthening the financial association between the country and Kenya days after China declined to finance the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway.
According to a report by the Daily Nation, a Kenyan delegation led by Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma, is expected to meet a US delegation led by Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Tibor Nagy on May 7 and May 8.
This comes at a time when the Treasury has been considering a Ksh350 Billion loan from the US to help it finance the construction of a six-lane expressway to link Mombasa and Nairobi.
The newspaper further reported that the US administration, which is led by President Donald Trump, has been keen to grow its financial arm in Africa through the speedy implementation of its Connect Africa initiative.
US has been trying to promote American investment through infrastructure projects that are currently dominated by China and in some instances, Japan.
Speaking over the planned trip, US Ambassador Kyle McCarter revealed that the meeting would gravitate around economic prosperity, trade and investments as well as defence and governance.
“The meeting gives us a strong framework to establish commitments for free trade, transparent business environment and opening markets in the US and Kenya.
"It is not about the cheques and loans on the table, but furthering a relationship that will be in the interest of both Kenya and the US,” stated McCarter.
Last week, Uhuru and Raila traveled to China and appeared assured of clinching the Ksh368 billion financing to extend SGR line to Kisumu but jetted back without the money.
Juma, however, clarified the matter explaining that the relationship between the Asian nation and Kenya was broader and that SGR loan was not a top priority.
