President Joe Biden has designated Kenya as a major non-NATO ally, making it the first sub-Saharan African country to receive this status. The announcement was made during a significant three-day state visit by Kenyan President William Ruto to Washington, the first visit of its kind by an African leader in over 15 years.
This move signifies a deepening of security cooperation between the United States and Kenya, allowing for closer collaboration and access to advanced U.S. military equipment. “This is a fulfillment of years of collaboration,” Biden stated during a joint news conference with President Ruto at the White House on Thursday.
Kenya’s designation as a major non-NATO ally comes at a time when the geopolitical landscape of Africa is shifting. Russia and China have been increasing their influence across the continent, and several Western African nations have experienced military coups, disrupting their cooperation with Western countries. These developments have underscored the strategic importance of strengthening alliances with stable and reliable partners like Kenya.
President Biden highlighted Kenya’s critical role in regional security, noting its participation in the Ukraine Defence Contact Group coalition, which coordinates support for Kyiv against Russian aggression. Additionally, Biden praised Kenya for its commitment to international peacekeeping efforts, including its pledge to send 1,000 police officers to Haiti to help stabilize the Caribbean nation.
The visit and the new designation also underscore the United States’ intention to maintain a robust presence in Africa amidst these geopolitical shifts. This week, the Pentagon announced a complete withdrawal of around 1,000 troops from Niger by September, following a coup that saw the country growing closer to Russia and Iran.
Biden emphasized the success of joint counterterrorism efforts, stating, “Our joint counterterrorism operations have degraded Isis and Al-Shabaab across East Africa. Our mutual support for Ukraine has rallied the world to stand behind the UN charter. And our work together on Haiti is helping pave the way to reduce instability and insecurity.”
President Ruto expressed his gratitude and optimism about the strengthened alliance, remarking, “Kenya and Africa have a strong and committed friend in President Biden.”
Once approved by the U.S. Congress, Kenya will become the 19th country to be designated a major non-NATO ally, marking a significant milestone in U.S.-Africa relations and solidifying Kenya’s role as a key strategic partner in East Africa.