Session One: Opening Session

Moderator: Winnie Rugutt

Opening Remarks, Dr. Patrick Maluki, Director, Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies (IDIS)

Dr. Maluki welcomed everyone to the roundtable and introduced the African Centre for the Study of the United States (ACSUS).
He described the center as an important investment by the University of Nairobi and particularly the Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies (IDIS), towards understanding the United States (US) as a society, economy and major actor in the international system. Dr. Maluki delved into the subject of the roundtable, Kenyan President William Ruto’s state visit to the US. He cast the discussions of the day against the backdrop of 60 years of strong partnership and cooperation between Kenya and the US in trade, security, defense, economic development, healthcare,and technology as well as the contemporary global geopolitical competition and rivalry. He argued that the state visit validates the strong relationship between the two countries and indicates the relationship’s pivotal significance to Kenya’s economic, technological, industrial and commercial prospects. He stressed that the visit signified Kenya’s rising profile in international relations and strategic direction of its foreign policy to secure its strategic interests through such political, economic and security partnerships and cooperation. He concluded that Kenya is an important player in international and regional affairs hence the
state visit holds significant strategic advantages for Kenya.