Will Kenya’s Gold Strengthen Its Hand in US Talks? — Sputnik Delves Into
00:09 25.02.2026 (Updated: 07:48 25.02.2026)
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Will Kenya’s Gold Strengthen Its Hand in US Talks?
As Kenya enters renewed trade negotiations with the US, political and economic analyst Alex Wanzala has urged Nairobi to proceed with caution, warning against agreements that could undermine long-term national interests.
“We must trade carefully. Kenya has valuable resources, and we should not rush into agreements that may compromise our economic sovereignty,” Wanzala noted.
He referenced the recently announced $5.3 billion gold deposits in Kakamega, saying such strategic resources may heighten foreign interest and must remain under firm national control — particularly in extraction, value addition, and revenue management.
Wanzala emphasized that any bilateral deal should protect local industries, safeguard resource sovereignty, ensure fair market access, and preserve Kenya’s policy flexibility.
While US market access remains important, especially under AGOA, he stressed that Kenya’s expanding resource base strengthens its bargaining power as negotiations begin.
Watch the video analysis by a Sputnik Africa correspondent in Kenya, Ridah Chebet, for a deeper look at the situation.
As Kenya enters renewed trade negotiations with the US, political and economic analyst Alex Wanzala has urged Nairobi to proceed with caution, warning against agreements that could undermine long-term national interests.
“We must trade carefully. Kenya has valuable resources, and we should not rush into agreements that may compromise our economic sovereignty,” Wanzala noted.
He referenced the recently announced $5.3 billion gold deposits in Kakamega, saying such strategic resources may heighten foreign interest and must remain under firm national control — particularly in extraction, value addition, and revenue management.
Wanzala emphasized that any bilateral deal should protect local industries, safeguard resource sovereignty, ensure fair market access, and preserve Kenya’s policy flexibility.
While US market access remains important, especially under AGOA, he stressed that Kenya’s expanding resource base strengthens its bargaining power as negotiations begin.
Watch the video analysis by a Sputnik Africa correspondent in Kenya, Ridah Chebet, for a deeper look at the situation.
