President Biden will designate Kenya as a major non-NATO ally during his state visit on May 23, 2024. This recognition comes for Kenya's contributions to counterterrorism work and leading a multinational force in Haiti. Kenya is the first sub-Saharan African nation to receive this designation. The state visit, which started on May 22, 2024, aims to deepen U.S. ties with the African continent.
The designation comes as Kenya prepares to deploy forces, including 1,000 police officers, to Haiti as part of a multilateral security support mission aimed at addressing the security crisis in the Caribbean country. Other countries expected to back up Kenyan forces include the Bahamas, Barbados, Benin, Chad and Bangladesh.
The recognition also highlights Kenya's longstanding counterterrorism relationship with the United States, where both countries have worked together to combat the al-Shabaab terrorist group that has launched deadly regional attacks for decades. Kenya is also part of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a coalition of about 50 nations that meet regularly to coordinate on how best to arm Kyiv against Moscow.
The designation allows Kenya to obtain more sophisticated weaponry from the United States and engage in closer security cooperation. This upgrade in the relationship between the two nations could give Washington greater influence in East Africa. Both countries already have a longstanding counterterrorism relationship, working together to combat the al-Shabaab terrorist group that has launched deadly regional attacks for decades.
The growing bond between Washington and Nairobi comes as the Biden administration worries about China’s growing sway on the African continent, in addition to Russia’s ties with Kenya. Even though Biden has yet to travel to the continent, as he promised to do, the major non-NATO ally status might serve as a consolation and sign of intent.
The state dinner will feature performances by the Howard Gospel Choir and country star Brad Paisley.
