The Africa Centre for the Study of the United States (ACSUS) at the University of Nairobi is currently running the “Reflecting on 60 Years of U.S.-Kenya Diplomatic Engagement” program, an initiative funded by the US Embassy Public Diplomacy Section. As Kenya and the United States commemorate six decades of diplomatic relations, this program provides a platform for informed discourse among academics, policymakers, and civil society on the mutual benefits of this enduring relationship.
The purpose of the program is twofold:
- To offer platforms and opportunities for conducting an assessment of past achievements and challenges in the US-Kenya partnership.
- To foster dialogue aimed at shaping the future trajectory of this significant relationship, through which we shall address information gaps and counter misinformation on U.S.-Kenya relations, as well as provide evidence-based policy recommendations for enhanced collaboration.
Key Thematic Areas
The program’s objectives will be accomplished through a guest speaker series structured around six thematic areas that define the U.S.-Kenya relationship:
- Trade and Investment Partnership – Evaluating economic cooperation and future opportunities.
- Partnership in AI and Digital Transformation– Strengthening bilateral efforts in Artificial intelligence and digital infrastructures.
- Creative Economy Partnership– Analyzing collaborations in commercialization of creative industries, intellectual property rights, and cross-border market expansion.
- Diaspora Relations – Strengthening diaspora engagement as a bridge for economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties.
- Education & Knowledge Exchange – Enhancing academic and research partnerships between U.S. and Kenyan institutions.
- Security Cooperation – Examining joint efforts in counterterrorism, regional stability, and global security initiatives.