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May 22, 2024 Story by: Editor
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden has extended a warm welcome to Kenyan President William Ruto at the White House for a significant three-day state visit, marking Kenya as a major non-NATO ally. This designation comes as Kenya prepares to dispatch forces to Haiti, contributing to a U.N.-led effort aimed at addressing the security crisis in the Caribbean nation.
Approximately 1,000 Kenyan police officers are poised to soon arrive in Haiti, forming part of a multinational security support mission focused on quelling gang violence. Other nations expected to reinforce Kenyan forces include the Bahamas, Barbados, Benin, Chad, and Bangladesh.
The symbolic designation by Biden was disclosed by two U.S. officials who chose to remain anonymous, offering a glimpse into an impending announcement slated for later during Ruto’s state visit. Ruto’s visit commenced with a meeting at the White House on Wednesday afternoon, alongside American and Kenyan tech leaders.
“I can’t think of a better way to kick off this visit,” remarked Biden at the onset of the leaders’ meeting with tech executives. “Our people have brought us forward and pioneered new technologies that are transforming millions of lives. I mean, literally millions of lives. And we’re going to go beyond that.”
However, the looming deployment of Kenyan forces to Haiti casts a significant shadow over the visit.
For years, the United States has collaborated with Kenya on counterterrorism efforts in Africa, including combatting the extremist group al-Shabab. Kenya’s involvement in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and an international maritime task force initiated by the Biden administration underscores its commitment to global security efforts.
The decision by Ruto to dispatch police forces to Haiti has been lauded by Biden administration officials as an unprecedented endeavor and a demonstration of global leadership by Kenya.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan expressed the U.S.’s firm commitment to supporting the Kenyan deployment, commending the country’s strong stance in supporting Ukraine.
Kenya becomes the first African nation since 2008 to be honored by the U.S. with a state visit.
During his visit, Ruto also engaged in discussions with House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., at the Capitol, intending to address concerns regarding the challenges posed by heavy debt burdens in Kenya and across Africa.
Kenya’s debt-to-GDP ratio surpasses 70%, with a significant portion owed to China. Fitch Ratings estimates that nearly one-third of its government revenues will be allocated solely to interest payments this year. Ruto emphasized the need for talks to focus on “how we can have a fairer international financial system where all countries are treated equally.”
Sullivan affirmed that the visit would entail announcements from the leaders on “how the international community can step up to mitigate the mounting burden of debt and unleash inclusive growth.” Source: AP
Biden and Ruto are scheduled to engage in formal discussions and a joint news conference on Thursday, followed by a state dinner. Ruto will also participate in an event at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce with Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday.
The U.S. and Kenya are commemorating their 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, with trade and investment, technological innovation, climate and clean energy, health, and security featuring prominently on the leaders’ agenda.
Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell indicated that both countries would announce “substantial commitments” to elevate Kenya’s technological sector, given its position as the technology hub of East Africa, known as the Silicon Savannah.
“I think we have a historic moment to explore investment opportunities between Kenya and the United States,” remarked Ruto. “And my being here today is a confirmation that we are moving from ideas into action and from opportunities into investments, and hopefully we will be able to sign off some of those investments.”
Biden previously convened dozens of African leaders in Washington in December 2022, pledging significant government funding and private investment on the continent. While his promised visit to sub-Saharan Africa in 2023 did not materialize due to competing priorities, Biden reiterated his intention to visit Africa in the future.
Meanwhile, amid geopolitical complexities, including Russia’s increasing influence across Africa, the United States aims to assert its role as a reliable partner in the region.
Ruto’s visit to the U.S. serves to bolster his international standing, with the deployment of Kenyan police to Haiti viewed as a strategic move in advancing Kenya’s global leadership ambitions.
Ruto has articulated that Kenya’s mission to Haiti seeks to “formulate actionable strategies that will lead to long-term solutions” in the Western Hemisphere’s poorest nation. The U.S. has pledged direct financial assistance, along with training, logistical, and material support, for the U.N.-backed mission in Haiti.
However, Ruto’s plan to involve Kenyan police in a crisis thousands of miles away has faced opposition in Nairobi, with legal challenges aimed at blocking the deployment and longstanding concerns over alleged police abuses.e in a crisis thousands of miles away has faced opposition in Nairobi, with legal challenges aimed at blocking the deployment and longstanding concerns over alleged police abuses.
