US Vice President JD Vance to Visit Kenya Amid Diplomatic Strains

Published October 28, 2025 13:51

Vance’s November visit to Nairobi aims to ease diplomatic tensions, address trade and security issues and reaffirm Kenya’s role as a key US ally amid China’s growing influence

US Vice President JD Vance interacts with a military officer. Photo: JD Vance. Source: Twitter

US Vice President JD Vance will visit Kenya from November 24–27, the first trip to East Africa by a senior official in the Trump administration, following the G20 Summit in Johannesburg (Nov. 22–23). Vance is expected to meet President William Ruto and top officials for talks on trade, security and regional stability as Washington seeks to reassure Nairobi after recent remarks by President Trump questioning US military engagement in Kenya and Somalia.

The agenda will likely include the lapse of AGOA on September 30 and prospects for a new trade framework, Kenya’s leadership of the Haiti security mission, and continued US support from Manda Bay amid counter-terrorism cooperation. The visit also carries geopolitical weight as the US looks to counter China’s expanding footprint in Kenya with proposals for Western-backed digital and green energy investment. Officials say several agreements remain under negotiation.