The United
States offered to help Kenya build factories and processing plants for rare
earth minerals and niobium at Mrima Hill in Kwale County, under a proposed Sh8
trillion deal announced on September 9.
Assistant Secretary of State Frank Garcia emphasized local value addition, worker training, and technology transfer, aligning with President William Ruto's focus on job creation over raw exports.
Six companies, including two US consortia, are shortlisted amid global competition with China, though the deal faces court challenges over transparency and environmental concerns.