The United States Chargé d’Affaires Susan Burns on Wednesday toured Swahilipot Hub in Mombasa, where she lauded Kenyan youth innovation and reaffirmed the United States’ support for entrepreneurship along the Coast through programmes backed by the U.S. Embassy.
Speaking during her first official visit to Mombasa since assuming office in late August, Burns said Swahilipot exemplifies the strength of the U.S.–Kenya partnership by helping young people “create their own jobs and innovate.”
She highlighted the hub’s role in turning ideas into enterprise, citing products made from local fabrics and recycled waste materials as well as innovations such as an electric bike.
“Swahilipot really represents our relationship, it truly is a partnership. We see so much potential in young Kenyans, and this is a place where that potential is being converted into opportunity,” Burns said.
Swahilipot Hub founder Mahmoud Noor said the visit reflected the growing importance of youth-focused development at a time when Kenya’s median age stands at about 19 years. He noted that the hub is implementing the U.S. Embassy–supported Scaleup project to strengthen the Coast region’s business ecosystem and support emerging entrepreneurs.
Burns also pointed to private-sector support flowing to Swahilipot, saying it was a strong signal of confidence in the region’s potential.
“Private sector funding shows recognition of the importance of Mombasa and the Coast,” she said.
Earlier in the day, the acting ambassador toured the Port of Mombasa, describing it as “busy” and central to economic activity not only in Kenya but across East Africa. She said the visit was aimed at understanding commercial operations and exploring opportunities for U.S. companies to partner in Kenya.
On bilateral relations, Burns disclosed that Kenya and the United States were set to sign a five-year health agreement focusing on continued cooperation in HIV, malaria and tuberculosis interventions. She described the deal as a “historic new framework” building on more than 25 years of collaboration in the health sector.
Burns also confirmed that President William Ruto was in the United States as part of a regional delegation to witness the signing of a peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, noting Kenya’s role through Ruto’s chairmanship of the East African Community.
Addressing young Kenyans, Burns urged Gen Z to embrace entrepreneurship and leadership. “Create your own vision and opportunities,” she said, adding that the U.S. stands ready to support initiatives that enable youth to “help themselves.”
She thanked Swahilipot for its work and said she looked forward to returning to the hub, pledging continued engagement with youth-led innovation along the Coast.