President William Ruto lays a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, US, on May 22, 2024, paying respects to America’s fallen heroes. PHOTO: @WilliamsRuto | X
In Summary:
- Kenya is set to become a major non-NATO ally, the first sub-Saharan country to receive this status.
- The designation will enhance Kenya’s military cooperation with the United States and other NATO members.
Kenya is expected to be designated as a major non-North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally on Thursday, May 23, during President William Ruto’s visit to the White House.
According to a United States government official, President Joe Biden will extend this significant status to Kenya following bilateral talks with President Ruto.
The designation will facilitate closer security cooperation between Kenya and the 32 NATO member states, including the United States.
NATO, the world’s largest military alliance, includes powerful members such as the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Canada.
By receiving non-NATO ally status, Kenya’s military prominence on the continent will be elevated, making it the first sub-Saharan country to achieve this distinction.
This new status will provide Kenya access to sophisticated weapons from the United States and enable closer security collaboration with the global superpower.
Kenya has already begun reaping some benefits of this arrangement even before the formal announcement. The United States has granted Kenyan police access to its Pentagon stockpile of rifles, ammunition, and armored vehicles.
These resources are expected to support the 1,000 Kenyan police officers being deployed to Haiti to help quell unrest.
Beyond Haiti, the United States plans to work closely with Kenya to promote peace in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Red Sea region, and Europe.
Kenya has already joined the US-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group and Operation Prosperity Guardian, which combats Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.
Currently, 19 countries hold non-NATO ally status, with only three in Africa: Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia.