During Kenyan President William Ruto’s state visit, the United States will designate Kenya as a major non-NATO ally, marking a significant milestone in US-Kenya relations.
According to the White House, President Joe Biden will inform Congress of this decision on Thursday.
Kenya will become the first sub-Saharan African nation to receive this designation, joining 18 other countries, including Israel, Brazil, and the Philippines.
This status underscores Kenya’s transition from a regional partner involved in US counterterrorism efforts to a nation of major global influence.
President Ruto’s visit, which began on Wednesday, is part of a three-day state visit featuring bilateral talks with President Biden.
This is the sixth state visit under the Biden administration and the first for an African president since 2008.
