Prime Minister Rila Odinga met US Vice President Joe Biden at the White House on Tuesday for talks on changes taking place in Kenya, Sudan and Somalia.
Mr Odinga briefed the Vice President on developments in the country following the promulgation of the new constitution last year and current efforts to implement the new laws within the set time lines.
The PM thanked the US government for its help with the reform process and its continued support in the areas of healthcare, education and food security.
He also urged the US leadership to encourage American businesses to set up operations in Kenya, saying the new laws being implemented will make the country a good investment destination.
The US vice president congratulated Kenya for moving towards stability following the chaos of 2008. He emphasised the need for the country to stay focused particularly on judicial and electoral reforms saying a functional and independent judiciary is a critical consideration for investors who want to set up operations in any foreign location.
He also called for a faithful implementation of laws pertaining to devolution which will transfer power from the centre to the regions.
Mr Biden pledged that once reforms are in place, America will give Kenya "tremendous support" in areas that are critical to the country’s growth adding that the US recognises that while the reforms carry promise for Kenya, they also cost more.
On regional issues, Mr Biden asked the Kenya government to continue providing leadership on Southern Sudan matters. He pledged the US wouldwill continue working with Kenya closely to ensure stability in the region.
The two leaders discussed the need to remain focused on pending issues in Sudan, particularly on Abyei and Darfur, to secure a lasting peace.
Mr Odinga later held talks with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Africa at Capitol Hill.
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