Ruto calls Trump to discuss Haiti mission, US-Kenya trade deals

Following Trump's victory in the recently held US elections, Kenya's trade and investment deals that began during the Joe Biden administration have been thrown into uncertainty. 

President Ruto pointed out areas of mutual interest between the two nations, such as investment opportunities, security, and good governance. 

He also briefed Trump on the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti led by Kenyan forces. The mission, which began in June, has been key in trying to contain the gang warfare in the Caribbean nation. 

The Biden era has been in support of the Haiti mission and had pledged up to Ksh.38.5 billion. However, with the Republican leader set to take office in January next year, the whole operation could be in jeopardy. 

"I have had a telephone conversation with US President-Elect Donald Trump. I congratulated him following his election as the 47th President of the United States of America," Ruto said.

"We discussed areas of mutual interest that are of benefit to the citizens of our two countries, including trade and investment, security and good governance."  

"I briefed President Trump on the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti and possible areas of cooperation with the US government on this important conflict resolution initiative."

In the past 24 hours, Ruto has been working round the clock to ensure that the United States remains a key ally in terms of bilateral deals. 

On Friday, Ruto contacted the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss the fate of the Haiti mission and other key deals. 

The duo also discussed the option of transitioning the mission into a United Nations peacekeeping mission to curb the financial challenges. 

"I have had a constructive conversation with US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken on the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti," Ruto remarked. 

"We discussed the transition of the mission into a UN peacekeeping operation to enhance the capability of the mission to help stabilise Haiti," he added.