During Kenyan President William Ruto’s state visit to Washington, DC, the United States announced plans to designate Kenya as the first key non-NATO ally in sub-Saharan Africa. This largely symbolic status, which Biden will notify Congress about, reflects Kenya’s significant cooperation with US counterterrorism efforts and its emerging global influence. Currently, 18 countries, including Israel, Brazil, and the Philippines, hold this designation. Ruto’s visit, part of a three-day state event, marks the first such occasion for an African president since 2008, underscoring the US’s strategic efforts to strengthen ties with African nations amid increasing Chinese and Russian influence on the continent.
The designation comes as Biden and Ruto engage in bilateral talks aimed at enhancing economic and development cooperation. They are expected to announce new US-backed investments in Kenya, including $250 million through the US International Development Finance Corporation for projects like affordable housing. This move will bring the agency’s total investment in Kenya to over $1 billion. Additionally, Biden and Ruto will advocate for reduced financing barriers for developing countries burdened by high debt, mostly owed to China. The meeting underscores Biden’s strategy to position the US as a more favorable partner to African nations compared to China and highlights plans for increased collaboration in green energy and health manufacturing sectors. Biden has also indicated a potential visit to Africa in February 2025, contingent on securing a second term.
