US President Joe Biden has designated Kenya as a major non-NATO ally, marking a significant milestone in US-Kenya relations. This announcement was made during Kenyan President William Ruto’s three-day state visit to Washington, DC. This designation makes Kenya the first sub-Saharan African country to receive such status, highlighting its importance as a strategic partner in East Africa.
The announcement comes as Russia and China have been expanding their influence across the African continent. Several countries in the Sahel region and Western Africa have experienced military coups, resulting in the suspension of cooperation missions with Western nations. In this context, Kenya’s new status allows it to engage in closer security cooperation with the US and access more sophisticated American weaponry.
President Biden emphasized that this move is “a fulfilment of years of collaboration” between the two nations. Speaking at a joint news conference with President Ruto at the White House, Biden praised Kenya’s role in regional security and its participation in the Ukraine Defence Contact Group coalition. This coalition coordinates efforts to support Ukraine against Russian aggression, underscoring Kenya’s strategic alignment with Western interests.
Kenya’s designation as a major non-NATO ally is a significant development for US foreign policy in Africa, particularly as Washington faces setbacks in other regions. This week, the Pentagon confirmed a complete withdrawal of approximately 1,000 troops from Niger by September, following the breakdown of security cooperation. Niger, which experienced a coup last year, has increasingly aligned itself with Russia and Iran.
Despite these challenges, Kenya has proven to be a reliable partner for the US. The country recently pledged to send 1,000 police officers to Haiti, further solidifying its role as a key ally in international peacekeeping efforts. President Biden’s only phone call to a sub-Saharan African leader last year was to President Ruto, specifically to discuss Kenya’s leadership in a multinational force to Haiti.
“Our joint counterterrorism operations have degraded ISIS and Al-Shabaab across East Africa,” Biden stated. He also highlighted the mutual support for Ukraine, which has “rallied the world to stand behind the UN charter,” and praised the collaborative efforts in Haiti as paving the way to reduce instability and insecurity.
President Ruto expressed gratitude for the strengthened alliance, noting that “Kenya and Africa have a strong and committed friend in President Biden.” Once approved by the US Congress, Kenya will join an exclusive group of 19 countries holding the major non-NATO ally status.
This status is expected to bolster Kenya’s security capabilities and enhance its role as a stabilizing force in East Africa. It reflects the deepening ties between Washington and Nairobi, built on years of cooperative efforts in counterterrorism and regional security.
Kenya’s commitment to international peacekeeping, particularly in regions like Haiti, and its strategic position in the fight against terrorism in East Africa, have made it a valuable partner for the US. As the first sub-Saharan African country to receive this designation, Kenya’s new status underscores the importance of its relationship with the US amidst the shifting geopolitical landscape in Africa.
In conclusion, President Biden’s decision to designate Kenya as a major non-NATO ally is a testament to the strong and evolving partnership between the two countries. It signifies a strategic move by the US to reinforce its alliances in Africa, countering the growing influence of Russia and China on the continent. With this new status, Kenya is poised to play an even more significant role in regional and global security initiatives, further solidifying its position as a key ally of the United States.
