US Designates Kenya as Major Non-NATO Ally

US President Joe Biden is set to inform Congress that he intends to designate Kenya as a major non-NATO ally, making it the first sub-Saharan African country to receive this designation. The move would solidify the strategic working relationship between the US and Kenya's military. According to sources, Biden will make the announcement on Thursday, as required by law. This decision comes amidst Ruto's three-day state visit to Washington, where he is meeting with business executives and President Biden at the White House. During his trip, Ruto has emphasized the importance of reducing Kenya's debt burden and has appealed for international support. The US designation would also serve as a counterbalance to China's growing economic influence in Africa, with Biden emphasizing that the US can be a better partner than China. Notably, this move marks a significant shift in US-Africa relations, as Kenya's President William Ruto is the first African leader to make an official state visit to the US in over 15 years.