President Joe Biden welcomed Kenya’s President William Ruto to the White House Thursday for a state visit, commemorating 60 years of relations between the two countries.
This marks the first state visit for the leader of an African nation in over 15 years under any administration.
During the visit, President Biden announced the intent to designate Kenya as a major non-NATO U.S. ally, emphasizing the culmination of years of collaboration.
Kenya is gearing up to send 1,000 officers as part of a U.N.-led multinational security support mission to assist Haitian entities in curbing the rampant gang violence in the country.
The United States has been supporting this mission with equipment, intelligence, and financing, but without U.S. personnel involved.
Politics
White House visit highlights the promise and perils of US-Kenya relationship
3:00 AM, May 23, 2024
President Biden defended his stance during a joint press conference, expressing concern about American overreach but confidence in the mission.
Experts acknowledge that the mission carries risks for the leaders involved and could impact the U.S.-Kenya relationship negatively if it goes wrong.
However, the White House remains focused on ensuring the mission’s success.
Ruto emphasized Kenya’s role in peacekeeping and highlighted that the decision to participate in the mission was their own.
The designation of Kenya as a major non-NATO U.S. ally reflects the country’s increasing role in global issues and ongoing security partnership with the United States.
The leaders are working to enhance opportunities for low- and middle-income countries facing debt distress through the Nairobi-Washington Vision initiative, aiming for greater international support.
Ruto is set to engage with Vice President Kamala Harris and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce during his visit.
The leaders also discussed climate action, economic ties, and technological cooperation, with President Biden announcing efforts to provide CHIPS Act funding to Kenya.
The visit is seen as an important step in enhancing U.S. support for Africa and fostering stronger ties between the two nations.
