Ruto, Trump Near Deal on Critical Minerals in Mrima Hills
Kenya and the United States are edging closer to a landmark minerals agreement that could unlock billions of shillings in investment and transform the country’s mining sector, with the vast mineral deposits at Mrima Hills in Kwale County expected to play a central role in the proposed partnership.
President William Ruto revealed that discussions between his administration and the United States government have reached an advanced stage, with both countries agreeing on a framework that prioritizes local processing and value addition of Kenya’s strategic mineral resources.
The proposed agreement, which was discussed with U.S. President Donald Trump during engagements on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, is expected to focus on rare earth minerals and other critical resources that are increasingly vital to global industries such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, battery manufacturing, and advanced technology production.
Speaking to international media during the summit, President Ruto expressed confidence that negotiations were nearing completion.
“We’ve agreed with them on what is mutually beneficial between Kenya and the United States, and President Trump and the American administration are happy with it,” Ruto stated.
He further emphasized that Kenya would no longer permit the export of raw minerals without local processing.
“We have agreed that the minerals will be processed in Kenya,” the President added.
Mrima Hills at the Centre of Kenya’s Mineral Ambitions
Experts have long described the site as one of East Africa’s most significant untapped mineral assets, capable of attracting major international investment if properly developed.
The minerals found in the region are considered critical to the global transition toward cleaner energy technologies and modern industrial manufacturing.
Shift Toward Value Addition
Addressing leaders during discussions at the G7 Summit, President Ruto reiterated Kenya’s commitment to ensuring that natural resources generate jobs and wealth within the country rather than benefiting foreign economies through raw exports.
“The natural resources can no longer be exported and processed elsewhere. They have to be processed in-country and in-continent. We have to create value out of them,” Ruto said.
The President argued that Africa must move beyond historical models where raw materials are extracted and shipped overseas for processing, only for finished products to be sold back to African markets at significantly higher prices.
According to Ruto, the new approach aligns with broader continental efforts to promote industrialization, manufacturing, and economic self-reliance.
Kenya Targets Regional Processing Hub Status
Kenya is increasingly positioning itself as a regional hub for mineral processing and value addition. Beyond Mrima Hills, the country possesses deposits of lithium, graphite, copper, nickel, and other strategic minerals that are attracting growing interest from global investors.
The anticipated partnership with the United States is expected to support investment in processing infrastructure, technology transfer, and skills development within the mining sector.
Global Competition for African Minerals Intensifies
The announcement comes at a time when competition among major global powers for access to Africa’s critical minerals is intensifying.
The United States, China, and European nations are increasingly seeking partnerships across the continent as demand for minerals used in clean energy technologies continues to rise.
Despite the growing geopolitical competition, President Ruto maintained that Kenya would pursue partnerships based on mutual benefit rather than political alignment.
“We are going to reject any relationships that are based on the extraction of our natural resources,” he said.
“There are opportunities for everybody,” Ruto added, underscoring Kenya’s commitment to pursuing investment partnerships that advance national and continental economic interests.
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Ruto, Trump Near Deal on Critical Minerals in Mrima Hills
