The United States has formally invited Kenya to join a multibillion-dollar critical minerals partnership, coinciding with Kenya's tender for the valuable Mrima Hill rare earth deposit.

• The Mrima Hill deposit is estimated to hold Ksh8.1 trillion in mineral wealth.
• US Chargé d'Affaires Susan Burns delivered the proposal, encouraging Kenya to join a new US-designed preferential trade zone for critical minerals.
• This move highlights a geopolitical contest for Kenya's resources, with China expected to bid on the tender as well.