US President Joe Biden has made a historic announcement, naming Kenya as a major non-Nato ally, marking the first time a sub-Saharan African country has received such a designation. The announcement came during a three-day state visit by Kenyan President William Ruto to Washington.
This move is significant as it comes at a time when Russia and China have been expanding their influence across the African continent, with several governments in the Sahel region and western Africa falling to military coups. The designation of major non-Nato ally status will allow Nairobi to engage in closer security cooperation with Washington and access more sophisticated US weapons.
During a joint news conference at the White House, President Biden stated that this decision is a “fulfillment of years of collaboration” between the two countries. Kenya has emerged as a key security partner to the US in East Africa and is part of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group coalition, which coordinates efforts to support Kyiv against Moscow.
The strengthening of the US-Kenya alliance comes as Washington faces setbacks in other parts of Africa, such as the Pentagon confirming a withdrawal of troops from Niger due to a breakdown in security cooperation. Kenya’s recent pledge to send police officers to Haiti has also been welcomed by the US.
President Biden highlighted the joint efforts in counterterrorism operations that have degraded groups like Isis and Al-Shabaab across East Africa, as well as the mutual support for Ukraine and collaboration on Haiti to reduce instability and insecurity.
President Ruto expressed gratitude for the strong partnership with the US, stating that “Kenya and Africa have a strong and committed friend” in President Biden. Once approved by the US Congress, Kenya will become the 19th country to be named a major non-Nato ally, solidifying its position as a key strategic partner in the region.
