Kenya has contracted U.S.-based lobbying firm Continental Strategy LLC to provide government relations and advocacy services in preparation for President William Ruto’s upcoming visit to the United States. The state visit will include bilateral talks with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Documents filed on August 6, 2025, under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) with the U.S. Department of Justice outline the details of the agreement. The filing confirms that the firm will assist the Kenyan government through federal-level lobbying, dissemination of informational materials, and strategic engagement with key U.S. policymakers.
How Much Will Kenya Pay the Lobbying Firm?
According to the contract, Continental Strategy LLC will receive a monthly retainer of $175,000, which amounts to about KSh 22 million. In addition, the firm will be reimbursed for costs tied to travel, hotel accommodation, meals, airfare, car services, and necessary registration fees.
“The Firm will invoice the Client each month for reasonable costs associated with the engagement, excluding standard office operation costs such as overhead, staff, and equipment,” the agreement states.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has appointed Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’oei as the official point of contact for the engagement. The deal also includes an automatic renewal clause, unless either party issues a termination notice at least 30 days before the end of the initial 12-month period.
Why Is This Engagement Important for Ruto’s U.S. Visit?
President Ruto is expected to first participate in the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York before heading to Washington, D.C., for high-level talks with President Trump. This will be Ruto’s first official U.S. visit since Trump returned to office, making it a pivotal moment for Nairobi-Washington relations.
The engagement comes months after Ruto’s April 2025 trip to China, where his remarks were viewed as leaning toward Beijing’s influence. The Washington visit is expected to reaffirm Kenya’s partnerships with the West and set the stage for future trade and diplomatic cooperation. Analysts see the lobbying effort as a clear signal of Kenya’s determination to strengthen ties with the U.S. ahead of what could be a defining meeting between the two presidents.
By Lucky Anyanje