United States pledges support for Kenya's critical minerals industry

The United States has pledged support to help Kenya develop a domestic critical minerals processing industry. This initiative aims to secure global supply chains and reduce dependence on China, which currently dominates the global rare-earth extraction and processing markets.

Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia stated that critical minerals are a top priority for the U.S. administration. He emphasized Washington's readiness to assist Kenya in building a transparent mining sector that attracts legitimate business and respects local communities. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation is already supporting various African rare-earth projects.

Kenya is currently evaluating bids to develop the Mrima Hill deposit in Kwale County, which is estimated to contain tens of billions of dollars worth of rare earth minerals and niobium. President William Ruto welcomed the U.S. support, noting that local processing would facilitate job creation. Several groups, including U.S.-based Critical Metals Corp and Australia’s RareX, have advanced in the tender process, though no developer has yet been awarded the project.