 "Kenya to get major non-NATO ally status as Ruto makes historic visit to US")
As US President Joe Biden welcomes his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto to the White House, the United States is expected to extend a major non-NATO ally status to Kenya. With the three-day trip, Ruto became the first African leader to embark on an official state visit to the US in more than 15 years.
It is important to note that Kenya will become the first sub-Saharan nation to receive such a designation. The move will allow the recipient country to obtain more sophisticated weaponry from the United States and engage in closer security cooperation with NATO member states.
Why it matters?
The new status will not only provide an upgrade to the relations between the United States and Kenya, but it could also give Washington greater influence in East Africa.
Both countries have worked together to combat the al-Shabaab terrorist group that has been responsible for launching deadly regional attacks for decades. Interestingly, Kenya is also part of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a coalition of about 50 nations that meet regularly to coordinate on how best to arm Kyiv against Moscow.
“If any country in Africa that does not already have the status has a prima facie case for being designated a major non-NATO ally, it is Kenya,” said J. Peter Pham, a former top Africa official in the Trump administration.
Impact Shorts
View AllThe Biden administration is focusing on growing its influence in Africa due to the growing concerns about China’s sway in the continent. In addition to this, Russia’s growing ties with Kenya have also become a matter of worry to the United States. Biden said that the major non-NATO ally status might serve as a consolation and sign of intent.
Ruto is visiting Washington to discuss multiple economic and security matters, namely the deployment of 1,000 Kenyan police officers to curb gang violence in Haiti. While the new status is largely symbolic, it could offer more legitimacy to Kenya’s mission.
With the highly-anticipated announcement, Kenya will become the 19th country to be named a major non-NATO ally, the most recent addition since Biden awarded the title to Qatar in March 2022. According to the State Department, the designation provides “certain benefits in the areas of defence trade and security cooperation.
While globally Ruto is lauded for ensuring Kenya’s role as the region’s diplomatic and business centre remains intact, domestically he has become an advocate for Africa on issues related to climate change and debt relief.
With inputs from agencies.
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