US Pledges to Designate Kenya as Major Non-NATO Ally: What it Means

United States President Joe Biden has pledged to designate Kenya as the country’s first key non-NATO ally in sub-Saharan Africa following President William Ruto's State Visit to Washington D.C. to deepen ties between the two nations. 

At a White House press conference on Thursday, Biden expressed his intention to collaborate with Congress to bestow upon Kenya the largely symbolic title.

"That's a fulfillment of years of collaboration," he said. 

"Our joint counterterrorism operations have degraded ISIS (ISIL) and Al-Shabaab across East Africa, our mutual support for Ukraine has rallied the world to stand behind the UN Charter, and our work together on Haiti is helping pave way to reduce instability and insecurity." 

The White House announced as President Joe Biden hosted President William Ruto for a state visit on Thursday. This noteworthy strategic decision indicates a redirection of U.S. security collaboration towards East Africa, particularly as American troops get ready to withdraw from Niger, creating a void that Russian forces have started to occupy.

Granting this designation provides non-NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) members with access to military and financial benefits similar to those enjoyed by NATO members, albeit without the mutual defense pact that binds NATO nations together. A senior official from the administration informed journalists on Wednesday evening that Biden would officially notify Congress of this designation, which requires a 30-day period to come into effect.

The official stated that the aim behind this action is "elevating and really acknowledging that Kenya is already a global partner of ours."

Kenya's designation marks a significant milestone, as it joins a select group of 18 nations, including Israel, Brazil, and the Philippines, recognized as non-NATO allies by the United States. 

This designation underscores Kenya's evolution from a regional partner, which has historically collaborated with US counterterrorism efforts on the continent, to a nation with growing global influence.

Ruto's visit also marks 60 years of diplomatic ties and cooperation between the United States and Kenya. 

There are security ties, trade ties, innovation when it comes to technology and also global health.

The State Visit by the Kenyan leader is the sixth one hosted by Biden and the first for an African president since 2008. 

This week's discussions, known as the Nairobi-Washington Vision, coincide with Biden's efforts to persuade African nations that the United States can serve as a preferable partner compared to China, which has been increasing its investments in the continent, often through high-interest loans. Over the past year, Africa's political landscape has been disrupted by a series of military coups, conflicts, and uncertain elections, leading to heightened influence for US competitors like China and Russia.

The White House meetings also occurred as a US-supported initiative to deploy a police force led by Kenya to crisis-stricken Haiti seems to be progressing. Kenyan officials recently indicated that the deployment, aimed at assisting the Haitian National Police in restoring order amidst a surge in violent gang activity in the Caribbean nation, is imminent. Approximately 1,000 Kenyan police officers are expected to participate.

The initiative, for which the United States has committed $300 million in support, is encountering significant political and legal hurdles in Kenya. Additionally, the mission faced delays when Haitian armed gangs seized control during the visit of the nation's leader, Ariel Henry, to Kenya in March. Henry resigned in April and has not yet returned to Haiti.

The official mentioned that Ruto would hold meetings with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss the mission but cautioned that no significant progress was promised.

"We affirm our mutual commitment to the stabilization of Haiti through the Multinational Security Support Mission," Ruto stated during Thursday's press conference.

The deployment, as reported by Halkett, is part of "a longstanding tradition of counterterrorism efforts and cooperation between the United States and Kenya."

In a joint statement following their discussions, Biden and Ruto unveiled a series of new US-supported investments in green energy and health manufacturing, along with a strategy to alleviate Kenya's significant debt burden, much of which is owed to China.

The US International Development Finance Corporation also announced this week a series of agreements that increase its portfolio in Kenya to over $1 billion, the statement added.

"During our discussions, I witnessed firsthand President Biden’s and the US government’s determination to make our partnership work," Ruto informed reporters.

"As my visit comes to a close, I am confident that our engagements have laid a solid foundation for us to continue the good work we have begun with stronger faith and greater hope for success because in Joe Biden, Kenya and Africa have a strong and committed friend."

On Thursday, the White House unveiled several security-related agreements, encompassing training opportunities, military exercises, assistance in refugee management, and US investments in Kenya's security sector. These agreements also include intensified counterterrorism efforts, such as enhanced information sharing, in addition to the provision of 16 helicopters and 150 armored vehicles. 

Furthermore, Washington has committed millions of dollars to various developmental initiatives deemed crucial by the US, spanning democracy, health, education, arts and culture, climate management, trade, and technology. Among these efforts, restructuring the debilitating debt of African nations to China, identified as the primary focus during Ruto's four-day visit to the United States, holds particular significance.

Biden, who is running for re-election in November, has expressed his intention to visit the African continent in February should he secure a second term.

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