The US has increased its interest in Kenya’s mining sector amid an aggressive pursuit for access to African rare earth minerals including in the DRC, vital for defense and tech.
This, as it rides on transparency, regulatory clarity and early identification of social and environmental risks, with a strong stand on mutual benefit with its partners which differentiates it with other global power including China.
It is seeking strategic partnerships in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Kenya, in what is seen as a desire to challenge Chinese dominance.
America which is negotiating deals, including potential security support for mineral access in the DRC and Kenya as a base to tackle the Al Shabaab.
In Kenya, the US is eyeing significant deposits at Mrima Hill, which are estimated to be worth $62.4 billion (Sh8.03 trillion), including substantial niobium deposits.
Both US officials and Western-backed consortia have shown interest, with Australian firms RareX and Iluka Resources targeting the site.
China and the United Kingdom have also shown strong interest in Kenya's mining industry, focusing on critical minerals like rare earths, niobium and gold, with the interest largely driven by the pursuit of materials for green energy and technology, particularly at Mrima Hill and Western Kenya.
US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles, Consumer Goods, Materials, Critical Minerals and Metals, Josh Kroon, has however singled out America as “a partner” rather than countries that invest, mine and leave after projects.
“We believe we are a better partner. We share values and we focus on long-term, durable relationships. Our goal is not to extract and leave, but to build foundational elements of an industrial base that lasts beyond a single project,” Kroon said during a mining forum in Nairobi, contrasting U.S and Chinese investment models.
Kroon highlighted Kenya’s geological potential and institutional strengths, framing the partnership as both strategic and values-based.
“Geology dictates geography and Kenya has been blessed with good geology. But equally important, Kenya has strong institutions and the rule of law,” Kroon noted.
He emphasized that U.S. engagement is grounded in partnership rather than extraction.
“When we say ‘America First,’ we do not mean America alone. We are looking for partners and Kenya presents itself as a natural partner.”
On de-risking, he noted that U.S. investors prioritize transparency, regulatory clarity and early identification of social and environmental risks.
“What we are most concerned about is not what works, but what does not work—because that is where investments fail,” he said.
His sentiments echoe U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau’s who was in Kenya last week, where he focused on economic diplomacy, commercial engagement and development.
“Successful international partnerships are built on transparency, mutual benefit and fairness, allowing leaders on both sides to clearly demonstrate value to their citizens,” Landau said during the US–Kenya critical supply chains conference, in Nairobi.
Drawing on past diplomatic experience, he observed that failure to share benefits equitably can lead to social tension, investor uncertainty and long-term instability.
“Diplomacy is knowing what your interests are, you also have to have the empathy and understanding what your counterpart interest are,” he said.
He commended Kenya’s democratic framework and shared legal traditions with the United States, emphasizing the rule of law as a foundation for investor confidence, accountability and long-term growth.
Mining and Blue Economy CS Hassan Joho has said investments in Kenya must create jobs for the people and build wealth for the country.
This, even as he called on international and local investors to tap into the vast mining industry in the country, noting that Kenya is well endowed with minerals but majority remain untapped.
“Kenya is not only ready to unlock the potential but wants to participate in different aspects of the global mining sector,” Joho said, “We want a win-win situation.”
The government last year officially declared 14 minerals as strategic and critical, focusing on rare earths, coltan, copper, lithium, niobium, nickel and radioactive materials, primarily to drive its green energy transition, boost the economy and attract high-value investment.
The country is emerging as a strategic hub for critical minerals essential to the global green energy transition with a major focus currently being the high-grade niobium and rare earths at Mrima Hill.
It is planning to increase its mining sector contribution from a mare one per to 10 per cent of the GDP by 2030.
To attract foreign investments, the government has extended competitive incentives, including up to 150 per cent investment allowances, 10-year tax loss carry-forwards, and VAT, import duty exemptions on specialised equipment.
Key perks also feature streamlined licensing, free foreign ownership, royalty sharing and geological data support for critical minerals.
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!