Kenya to be designated as ‘non-NATO ally’ by US during Ruto’s state visit | Politics News

The United States is set to designate Kenya as the first key non-NATO ally in sub-Saharan Africa, marking a significant milestone in the relationship between the two countries. President Joe Biden will inform Congress on Thursday about this new status during a visit to Washington, DC by Kenyan President William Ruto.

Currently, only 18 countries hold the designation of non-NATO allies, including Israel, Brazil, and the Philippines. This symbolic title reflects Kenya’s evolution from a regional partner to a major global influence, particularly in the realm of counterterrorism operations on the African continent.

Kenya will become the first sub-Saharan African country to receive this prestigious status, highlighting its growing importance on the world stage. President Ruto’s visit to the US, part of a three-day state visit, includes bilateral talks with President Biden to discuss various issues of mutual interest.

The meeting, dubbed the Nairobi-Washington Vision, comes at a crucial time as the US seeks to strengthen its partnerships in Africa amid increasing competition from China and Russia. Biden and Ruto are expected to announce new US-backed investments in green energy, health manufacturing, and efforts to reduce Kenya’s high debt burden, much of which is owed to China.

The US International Development Finance Corporation will also announce $250 million in new investments in Kenya, including funding for a major affordable housing project. President Biden has expressed his intention to visit the African continent in February 2025 if he wins a second term, underscoring the importance of US-Africa relations in his administration.