U.S. President Joe Biden has designated Kenya as a major non-NATO ally, making it the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to get this status.
Mr. Biden announced the decision during Kenyan President William Ruto’s three-day visit to Washington, the first by an African leader in over 15 years.
This comes as Russia and China have increased their influence in Africa, and several Sahel and West African governments have been overthrown by military coups, ending cooperation with Western nations.
The major non-NATO ally status will enable Nairobi to enhance security cooperation with Washington and access more advanced U.S. weapons.
“This is the result of years of collaboration,” Mr. Biden stated at a joint news conference with Mr. Ruto at the White House on Thursday.
Kenya has become a key security partner for the U.S. in East Africa and is part of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, which coordinates support for Kyiv against Moscow.
This strengthening of the U.S.-Kenya alliance comes as Washington faces challenges in other parts of Africa.
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