US State Department Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos has jetted into the country for a series of high-level meetings.

As part of his scheduled engagements in the country, President Donald Trump’s senior advisor met with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in Nairobi on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

Boulos, who landed in the country a day after meeting President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo, was accompanied by Marc Dillard, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi.

According to a statement shared by Mudavadi, Boulos acknowledged Kenya’s efforts in peacekeeping missions in various countries in the region.

“We appreciate Dr. Boulos’ recognition of Kenya’s proactive role in fostering peace and economic recovery in the region. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with the U.S. in achieving lasting solutions,” Mudavadi’s statement read in part.

Deepening ties

During the meeting, Mudavadi also expressed Kenya’s commitment to deepening ties with Trump’s administration.

Mudavadi explained that Kenya was keen to explore ways to mutually benefit from its diplomatic cooperation with the United States, ranging from trade, agriculture, security and humanitarian efforts, among others.

He also welcomed the US’s recent involvement in seeking to broker a peace deal in the DRC.

“Kenya values the enduring partnership with the U.S., built over six decades, focusing on education, trade, investment, peace, security, and humanitarian efforts. As a regional leader in peace and stability, Kenya remains committed to enhancing these ties and working together to address conflicts in the Great Lakes Region, the Horn of Africa, and particularly eastern DRC,” Mudavadi’s statement added.

Trip to Africa

Boulos embarked on his trip to Africa on April 3, 2025. He was joined by Corina Sanders, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs.

Their first stop was in the DRC before proceeding to Rwanda and now Kenya. Boulos and other high-ranking officials are then expected to visit Uganda before winding up their trip to Africa.

The objectives of the trip include advancing efforts for sustainable peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and promoting U.S. private sector investment in the region, aiming to bolster economic development and stability.

This comes days after Trump imposed reciprocal tariffs on various African countries. Kenya was among those affected as Trump’s administration slapped the country with 10 per cent tariffs.