US to Designate Kenya as First Non-NATO Ally in Sub-Saharan Africa

 The United States is set to designate Kenya as a major non-NATO ally during Kenyan President William Ruto's visit to Washington, DC. This move marks a significant milestone as Kenya becomes the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to receive this status.

President Joe Biden will inform Congress on Thursday about the designation, which is largely symbolic but carries significant diplomatic weight. Kenya will join 18 other nations, including Israel, Brazil, and the Philippines, that hold this status.

The designation acknowledges Kenya’s evolution from a regional partner in US counterterrorism operations to a significant global player. This development comes as President Ruto undertakes a three-day state visit to the US, which includes bilateral talks with President Biden on Thursday.

Ruto's visit is the sixth state visit hosted by the Biden administration and the first for an African leader since 2008. Dubbed the Nairobi-Washington Vision, the meeting underscores Biden's push to position the US as a preferable partner for African nations compared to China, which has increasingly invested in the continent, often through high-interest loans.

The announcement of Kenya’s new status comes at a time when Africa’s political landscape is experiencing significant upheaval. Military coups, wars, and contentious elections have shifted influence towards China and Russia. Amid this backdrop, Biden and Ruto aim to encourage creditor nations to ease financing restrictions for developing countries burdened by high debt.

"Together, we will call on the international community to support high-ambition countries with high-ambition financial support," the White House stated in a fact sheet outlining the initiative.

During the visit, Biden and Ruto are expected to unveil new US-backed investments in green energy and health manufacturing for Kenya. They will also discuss a plan to reduce Kenya’s substantial debt, much of which is owed to China.

Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will announce $250 million in new investments in Kenya, including $180 million for a major affordable housing project. This brings the DFC’s total portfolio in Kenya to over $1 billion.

This move by the US is part of a broader strategy to enhance relations with African nations and counter the growing influence of China and Russia on the continent. By designating Kenya as a non-NATO ally and investing in key sectors, the US aims to strengthen bilateral ties and support Kenya's development goals.

President Biden has also expressed his intention to visit the African continent in February 2025, provided he secures a second term in office. This planned visit underscores the administration's commitment to deepening engagement with Africa.

Kenya’s new status as a major non-NATO ally highlights its rising importance on the global stage and signifies a closer partnership with the United States. This designation is expected to bolster Kenya’s international standing and facilitate greater cooperation in various sectors, paving the way for enhanced bilateral relations between the two nations.