Note to our readers: Background Notes are no longer being updated or produced. They are being replaced with Fact Sheets focusing on U.S. relations with countries and other areas and providing links to additional resources. For archived versions of Background Notes, visit http://www.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/.
More information about Kenya is available on the Kenya Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-KENYA RELATIONS
The United States established diplomatic relations with Kenya in 1964, following its December 1963 independence from the United Kingdom. The United States and Kenya have enjoyed cordial relations and an enduring strategic partnership since Kenya's independence. Relations became closer after Kenya's democratic transition of 2002 and subsequent improvements in civil liberties. In the wake of widespread violence following the disputed 2007 presidential election, the United States has supported the sweeping political and institutional reform agenda adopted by the coalition government, the centerpiece of which was constitutional reform. Kenyans adopted a new constitution in a national referendum in August 2010.
With frequent drought conditions due to climate changes, Kenya is facing economic, health, and environmental challenges that threaten progress made in these sectors. Corruption and insecurity are the two greatest impediments to Kenya achieving sustained, rapid economic growth, and the United States has urged the government to take effective action against them. Conflict and instability in neighboring Somalia pose serious security and humanitarian challenges for Kenya and the region. The United States provides equipment and training to Kenyan security forces, both civilian and military.
U.S. Assistance to Kenya
Bilateral Economic Relations
Kenya is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. U.S. exports to Kenya include agricultural products, aircraft, and machinery. U.S. imports from Kenya include apparel, coffee, and tea. U.S. business investment is primarily in commerce, light manufacturing, and the tourism industry. The United States has signed trade and investment framework agreements with the East African Community and with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa. Kenya is a member of both regional organizations.
Kenya's Membership in International Organizations
Kenya and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.
Bilateral Representation
There currently is no U.S. Ambassador to Kenya; the U.S. Chargé d'Affaires and Ambassador-designate is Robert F. Godec.
Kenya maintains an embassy in the United States at 2249 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202-387-6101).
More information about Kenya is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
Department of State Kenya Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Kenya Page
U.S. Embassy: Kenya
USAID Kenya Page
History of U.S. Relations With Kenya
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Countries Page
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Millennium Challenge Corporation
Travel and Business Information
