US and Kenya Strengthen Cooperation on Critical Minerals

The United States and Kenya are strengthening cooperation on critical minerals, with Nairobi seeking greater investment in local processing rather than continued exports of raw materials.

The issue was discussed during President William Ruto’s meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on 21 September on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. According to Washington, the talks covered commercial diplomacy and regional security, with critical minerals forming a key part of the economic discussions. 

The US Department of State said the two leaders discussed how Kenya’s mineral deposits could support global supply chains and create opportunities for American companies to invest in local value addition. The discussions form part of a broader US effort to diversify supplies of rare earths and other strategic minerals and reduce dependence on China.

The renewed interest follows earlier comments by US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia, who said the Trump administration was prepared to support Kenya in developing industries based on its mineral resources. Garcia pointed to opportunities for investment in processing facilities, worker training and technology transfer. He said American companies were interested in supporting beneficiation rather than focusing only on extraction and exports.

The approach is consistent with Kenya’s policy of processing minerals locally. The government has said resources such as niobium, titanium and rare earths should be refined in Kenya to support employment, skills development and industrial growth.

Kenya’s coastal region is central to these discussions. Mrima Hill in Kwale County contains deposits of rare earth elements and niobium. Estimates have put the value of the rare earth deposits at more than $62 billion and the niobium deposits at about $35 billion.

The development of Mrima Hill has faced legal and regulatory challenges. Cortec Mining Kenya Ltd previously pursued a claim at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes, which was unsuccessful. A separate petition by local residents remains before the High Court and concerns the potential environmental and social effects of mining.

Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho reiterated Kenya’s position on local processing during a high-level roundtable in New York. He said Africa’s growing demand for critical minerals presented an opportunity for the continent to secure a greater role in global supply chains rather than remain an exporter of unprocessed resources.

The US has described Kenya as a major non-NATO ally and an increasingly important trading partner. During his meeting with Ruto, Rubio also acknowledged Kenya’s cooperation on health initiatives under Washington’s America First Global Health Strategy and its role in regional peace efforts.