US President Joe Biden welcomed Kenyan President Willam Ruto to the White House on Thursday, pledging to deepen economic ties and investments between the two nations. During Ruto’s state visit to Washington, DC, Biden announced plans to designate Kenya as the country’s first key non-NATO ally in sub-Saharan Africa.
Ruto expressed gratitude for the warm reception at the White House, emphasizing the shared values of freedom and democracy between the two countries. The Kenyan president highlighted the opportunity to strengthen partnerships that will lead to a more prosperous future for both nations.
The visit marks 60 years of diplomatic ties and cooperation between the United States and Kenya, with discussions focusing on security, trade, technology, and global health. Ruto’s trip is the sixth state visit hosted by the Biden administration and the first for an African president since 2008.
In addition to the symbolic “non-NATO ally” designation, the White House talks also included discussions on new US-backed investments in green energy, health manufacturing, and efforts to reduce Kenya’s high debt load, much of which is owed to China. The US announced $250 million in new investments in Kenya through the US International Development Finance Corporation, with a focus on affordable housing projects.
Biden emphasized the importance of responsible investments and debt management in low- and middle-income countries, highlighting the commitment to supporting critical infrastructure and development initiatives in Kenya. The discussions come amid growing competition with China for influence in Africa and efforts to strengthen US partnerships on the continent.
