WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden is set to welcome Kenyan President William Ruto to the White House in May, marking a significant step in strengthening the partnership between the United States and Kenya. This state visit comes after Biden’s previous promise to visit Africa last year was postponed due to pressing matters at home.
The White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, announced on Friday that the visit, scheduled for May 23, will commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. It will also serve as a celebration of the strong partnership between the US and Kenya, which has been beneficial for both nations.
According to Jean-Pierre, the visit will focus on advancing peace and security, expanding economic ties, promoting technological innovation, addressing climate change, and improving healthcare and security. This visit will further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries and reaffirm their commitment to democratic values.
The announcement of Ruto’s visit comes after Haiti revealed plans to sign an official agreement with Kenya to deploy Kenyan police forces in the country. High-ranking officials from both nations have recently met in the US to draft a memorandum of understanding and set a deadline for the arrival of Kenyan forces in Haiti.
Apart from discussions on bilateral relations, Ruto’s visit will also serve to promote the vision that African leadership is crucial in addressing global priorities. This aligns with the US’s belief that African nations play a vital role in shaping the future of the world.
The first lady, Jill Biden, had visited Kenya last February as part of her five-day, two-country tour of the continent. The White House has confirmed that both Ruto and Kenyan first lady Rachel Ruto will be honored with a dinner hosted by the Bidens.
The White House had previously hosted a state dinner for close ally Australia in October, which was toned down due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, this time, the state dinner for Kenya will be a grand affair, highlighting the strong bond between the two nations.
Biden had promised to visit sub-Saharan Africa in 2023, making him the first US president to travel to the region in a decade. He had also pledged to focus on the continent’s political and financial commitments during the US-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington with 49 leaders. However, due to other pressing matters, the visit was postponed.
The president’s last-minute trips to Israel, Vietnam, and Ukraine in 2023, along with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, led to the postponement of his visit to Africa. With the upcoming November election and various foreign security matters, including the Israel-Hamas war and discussions over foreign aid for Ukraine, Biden’s visit to Africa was put on hold.
On Friday, Biden traveled to East Palestine, Ohio, fulfilling his promise to visit the site of a train derailment that occurred in February 2023. This visit highlights Biden’s commitment to fulfilling his promises and addressing pressing matters, both at home and abroad.
Vice President Kamala Harris also spoke at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, where she was asked about the US’s “growing transitional mindset” towards Africa. She refuted this characterization and emphasized the importance of partnership and investment in the continent’s future.
Harris highlighted the fact that the median age in Africa is 19 and the population is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades. She stressed the need for the US to change its approach towards Africa, moving away from aid and towards partnership and collaboration with African leaders and nations.
In conclusion, President Biden’s upcoming visit from Kenyan President Ruto is a significant step in strengthening the partnership between the US and Kenya. It highlights the importance of African leadership and the need for the US to work closely with the continent to address global priorities. This visit will also serve to celebrate the strong bond between the two nations and pave the way for future cooperation and progress.
