Joe Biden hosts President Uhuru Kenyatta

Today, Thursday, United States President Joe Biden is set to host Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta. The meeting comes with a stated agenda from the White House that includes discussions on the need for transparency and accountability in both domestic and international financial systems. To shed light on the significance of this meeting, CNBC Africa invited analyst Ramogi Odhiambo to provide insights into what to expect from the presidential rendezvous. Odhiambo highlighted several key areas that are likely to dominate the conversation between the two leaders. At the forefront of the agenda is the trade deal between the US and Kenya, which faces a few challenges that need addressing for swift progress. Additionally, the generous vaccine donations from the American government to Kenya amid the COVID-19 pandemic will be acknowledged, along with discussions on the country's health situation. The ongoing concern around security issues, including terrorism and money laundering in the region, is also expected to be on the table. While President Biden aims to spearhead efforts towards transparency and accountability in financial systems, Odhiambo addressed the recent Pandora Papers revelations linking President Kenyatta and his family to offshore wealth. However, he emphasized that such personal financial matters are not within the purview of the diplomatic discussions between the two leaders. Furthermore, the increasing focus on the digital economy raises concerns about data protection and regulation in Kenya. Odhiambo highlighted a recent court ruling concerning an identification card rollout by a private company, reiterating the country's commitment to safeguarding data privacy. Despite potential economic interests from the US in mining Kenyan data, Odhiambo reassured that the country is cautious and retains control over its regulatory framework. In response to queries about whether Kenya is entering into agreements with the US from an informed standpoint, Odhiambo acknowledged the mutual interests at play. While recognizing the asymmetric nature of power dynamics, he underscored the importance of ensuring equitable outcomes for both parties. Parliament's role in ratifying agreements and public participation further ensures a balanced approach to the negotiations, promoting a beneficial dialogue for all involved.