NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 29 — US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi on Thursday as part of a four-country African tour that has already taken him to Egypt and Ethiopia, ahead of a planned stop in Djibouti.
The US Embassy in Nairobi confirmed Landau’s arrival, expressing gratitude to President Ruto for the warm reception extended to the high-level delegation.
Landau is accompanied by General Dagvin Anderson, Commander of US Africa Command (AFRICOM).
“Thank you, President William Ruto, for the warm welcome to Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and US Africa Command commander Gen. Dagvin Anderson on this historic visit. Eager to continue advancing security, trade, and regional stability,” the Embassy said in a statement.
During his stay, Landau is scheduled to attend a ceremony at the Administration Police Training College (APTC) in Embakasi at 12pm, where Kenyan officers who served under the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti will be honoured.
Haiti Mission
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen will host the US diplomat.
Kenya’s first contingent of officers returned from Haiti on December 10, 2025, after an 18-month deployment mandated by President Ruto.
The deployment saw the officers contribute to stabilising Haiti, reopening key roads, and training the Haitian National Police.
Landau’s visit follows meetings in Addis Ababa, where he and Gen. Anderson engaged African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf to discuss US–AU cooperation on economic development, peace, security, health, and strategic infrastructure.
The two sides announced the launch of the US–AUC Strategic Infrastructure and Investment Working Group, aimed at mobilising trade-enabling infrastructure and private sector investment in line with Agenda 2063, the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa, and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“Many opportunities and challenges in this part of the world,” Landau said, underscoring the need for closer collaboration between the US and African institutions.
While in Nairobi, Landau will meet Kenyan officials to discuss commercial engagement, counter-terrorism, Kenya’s leadership role in Haiti, and broader regional security issues before heading to Djibouti.
His tour highlights Washington’s renewed commitment to trade, peace, and regional stability across Africa.
