Washington, D.C., May 23 – U.S. President Joe Biden hosted Kenyan President William Ruto at the White House on Thursday, marking the first state visit by an African leader since 2008. The visit signifies the strategic importance of Africa, home to a billion people and a crucial partner in global trade, despite often being overshadowed by conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
The two leaders pledged to bolster cooperation in technology, security, and debt relief. At a state dinner held in Ruto’s honor, attended by a diverse group of notable figures including singer Don McLean, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and CEOs from Walmart and Pfizer, Biden underscored the shared democratic values between the U.S. and Kenya. Former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, the latter briefly appearing due to his Kenyan heritage, also attended.
“Though separated by distance, we are united by democratic values,” Biden said on the South Lawn, reminiscing about his past visits to Kenya. Celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations, Ruto highlighted the global perception of democracy’s retreat and the need for renewed U.S. engagement in Africa.
Biden announced Kenya’s designation as a major non-NATO ally, the first for a sub-Saharan African country, joining nations like Qatar and Israel. This status aims to enhance cooperation in counterterrorism, regional stability, and global security issues, including support for Ukraine and Haiti.
Ruto’s U.S. visit included stops in Atlanta and meetings with business leaders in Washington. On Friday, he is scheduled to discuss digital inclusion in Africa with Vice President Kamala Harris at an event hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The leaders’ joint statement emphasized their commitment to support the Somali government against terrorism and called for a ceasefire and humanitarian access in Sudan. They announced new U.S.-backed investments in green energy and health manufacturing in Kenya and a strategy to manage Kenya’s debt, largely owed to China. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation committed $250 million in new investments, including $180 million for affordable housing, bringing its total investments in Kenya to over $1 billion.
Biden and Ruto called on the international community to alleviate the debt burden on developing nations and to support sustainable development and climate initiatives. They also urged the U.S. Congress to renew the U.S.-Africa trade pact.
The humanitarian crisis in Haiti was a significant topic, with Kenya’s plan to deploy 1,000 paramilitary officers to combat gang violence and hunger facing delays. Biden announced his intention to visit Africa in February 2024, assuming a victory over Republican opponent Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election.
The state dinner, held in a glass pavilion illuminated by 1,000 candles, featured a menu of heirloom tomato soup, butter-poached lobster, smoked beef short ribs, and a white chocolate dessert. Entertainment included performances by country singer Brad Paisley and Howard University’s Gospel Choir, honoring Ruto’s musical preferences.
