Biden Welcomes Kenya’s Ruto with Major Non-NATO Ally Designation

On Thursday, President Joe Biden rolled out the red carpet for Kenyan President William Ruto at the White House, unveiling plans to officially designate Kenya as a major non-NATO ally. This strategic move highlights Washington’s quest for influence in Africa, especially as it navigates its relationships with Moscow and Beijing.

With this announcement, Kenya becomes the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to earn this title, which is already held by 18 nations, including Ukraine. This designation enhances military and diplomatic ties but does not establish a formal security treaty.

Ruto’s visit marks the first occasion since 2008 that an African president has graced the White House. Recently, the U.S. has been preoccupied with conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, while China has emerged as Africa’s leading bilateral trading partner.

The itinerary for Ruto’s visit included a joint news conference and an elaborate dinner at the White House—a lavish occasion that coincides with a period when both the U.S. and France find themselves on the defensive in Africa, as Russia and China expand their political and economic domains.

In a ceremonial welcome, Biden greeted Ruto amidst a colorful honor guard on the South Lawn, stating that the U.S. and Kenya share “the same democratic values.” You could almost feel the rain softening the moment.

“When Kenya and the United States collaborate, we’re stronger, and the globe becomes a safer place,” Biden asserted during a light drizzle.

Ruto reiterated Kenya’s commitment to democracy and expressed his intention to discuss pressing issues like climate change, financial strain, and security in East Africa with Biden.

“Mr. President, I’m convinced that our partnership will yield the solutions the world so desperately needs,” he stated confidently.

Later, the two leaders issued a joint statement confirming that Biden “intended to designate Kenya as a major non-NATO ally,” branding it “a powerful symbol of our close relationship.”

Discussions in the Oval Office also encompassed Kenya’s forthcoming role in leading an international police mission to Haiti, a nation grappling with rampant gang violence and political unrest that has plunged it into a humanitarian crisis.

“Democracy faces significant challenges globally, and Kenya stands as a beacon of stability in East Africa,” remarked a White House official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

A Feast of Lobster and a Choral Celebration

The state dinner planned for Ruto promised to be grandiose, embracing the African leader’s tastes by featuring distinctly American genres: gospel and country music.

The soirée held on the South Lawn’s pavilion showcased performances from country music star Brad Paisley and Howard University’s renowned gospel choir.

Culinary delights included fruitwood-smoked beef short ribs, poached lobster, chilled heirloom tomato soup, and a delectable white chocolate basket.

Anticipations ran high as Biden prepared to host up to 500 guests—marking the largest state dinner of his administration thus far.

Amid discussions, the two nations highlighted collaborations in healthcare, climate action, and private sector investments.

A “joint vision statement” was released, addressing the growing debts of developing nations and how they impede economic progress in Africa.

Last year, Biden held a significant summit for African leaders but notably fell short of his promise to visit the continent.

This week, he expressed plans to embark on that visit “in February after I’m reelected,” exuding optimism about his electoral prospects in the upcoming November election.

The Democrat faces an expected rematch against former President Donald Trump.

While Africa has often been sidelined in U.S. diplomatic initiatives, it now presents emerging challenges for Washington, where Russia is solidifying its presence—most recently in Niger, prompting the U.S. to withdraw its 1,000 troops, as Russian forces move in.

China, relentlessly funneling billions into African infrastructure over the past two decades, complicates the landscape, posing additional competition for the United States.