Kenya-US State Visit: Austin Meets Ruto at The Pentagon

On Thursday, President William Ruto visited the Pentagon.

Accompanied by Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and others, he was welcomed by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin.

The meeting between President Ruto and Secretary Austin occurred after President Joe Biden announced his intention to designate Kenya as a major non-NATO U.S. ally.

The announcement was made during President Ruto's official state visit to the White House during the just concluded state visit to Washington D.C.

Secretary Austin welcomed the elevation of the U.S.-Kenya relationship, highlighting the strategic collaboration between the two countries' militaries and defense officials.

"This designation underscores our close relationship," Austin said.

"And it demonstrates our deep appreciation for your contributions to peace and security in Africa and beyond."

The designation signifies the robust six-decade-long relationship between the U.S. and Kenya.

President Ruto echoed Secretary Austin's praise and expressed gratitude for his efforts to strengthen the ties between the two militaries.

He added that the friendship between Kenya and the U.S. is built on a strong foundation of shared values.

"We both believe in freedom" Ruto stated. 

"We believe in democracy. We believe in the rule of law. We believe in inclusivity, equality and, of course, in shared prosperity that is guaranteed by peace and security."

Kenya has been a key U.S. ally in countering al-Shabab, an Islamist militant group based in neighboring Somalia.

The group has carried out several attacks in Nairobi, including a multiday assault on the Westgate shopping mall in 2013, where al-Shabab militants killed 67 people.

In 2019, gunmen linked to al-Shabab attacked the DusitD2 Hotel complex in Nairobi, resulting in the deaths of at least 21 people, including a U.S. citizen.

Kenya is also leading the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, responding to Haiti's request for international assistance to address insecurity in the Caribbean nation.

Kenya has committed to sending 1,000 police officers to Haiti to help restore safety and security amid widespread violence and civil unrest.

The U.S. plans to contribute $300 million in assistance and in-kind support to the mission.

On this, the US Secretary of Defense said that Kenya's leadership of the mission "shows the important role that Kenya plays in global security."

"We also appreciate Kenya's contributions to U.N. international peace and stability operations," he stated further. 

"And of course, we're also grateful for Kenya's generous support in hosting U.S. forces at Manda Bay."

This week, the U.S. and Kenya signed a memorandum of understanding to expand the Manda Bay airfield. Secretary Austin described the agreement as a "testament to the strength of our partnership and to our commitment to strengthen Kenya's counterterrorism capability."

In September, Austin met with Kenyan Defense Minister Aden Bare Duale in Nairobi to reaffirm the United States' commitment to a lasting partnership between the two countries' militaries.

During that visit, the defense counterparts signed a five-year framework for defense cooperation aimed at enhancing interoperability between the two militaries.

"It was important for me to travel to Kenya last year because it is critical partner for regional security and a key partner for global security," Austin said during his meeting with Ruto earlier.

Secretary Austin announced that three Kenyan cadets have been admitted to U.S. military service academies, further highlighting the close partnership between the two countries.

"They will be the first Kenyan cadets to attend these outstanding school... and I'm confident that they won't be last," he added.

"Mr. President, thanks again for visiting the Pentagon," he said. "And I look forward to continuing our close cooperation."

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