; Whereas the United States and Kenya entered bilateral negotiations on a future free trade agreement on July 8, 2020; Whereas, on July 14, 2022, the United States and Kenya launched Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations to increase bilateral trade and investment cooperation; Whereas Kenya’s dynamic and growing market-based economy offers increased economic opportunities for public and private partnerships that advance United States strategic and economic interests; Whereas Kenya is at the forefront of improving environmental resilience and is a top tourism destination known for its biodiversity and conservation efforts; Whereas, on September 25, 2023, the United States and Kenya signed a 5-year framework for defense cooperation to guide mutual defense cooperation, enhance interoperability, and advance shared security interests; Whereas military-to-military ties between the United States and Kenya have deepened through coordinating and participating in bilateral and multilateral military exercises and Kenya hosting United States forces at Manda Bay; Whereas the United States and Kenya have worked together to address shared security and counterterrorism concerns in Kenya and the broader region, including in Somalia, where Kenya has contributed forces for over a decade— (1) to counter Al-Shabaab; and (2) to support Somalia through the African Union mission; Whereas Kenya is a key strategic partner in responding to Iranian-backed Houthi attacks against vessels in the Red Sea through its participation in Operation Prosperity Guardian; Whereas in 2011, Kenya re-established the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights as an autonomous institution to monitor government compliance with internationally recognized human rights and investigate alleged human rights violations