U.S. President Joe Biden and Kenyan President William Ruto are set to announce investments in green energy and health manufacturing in the East African nation on Thursday, along with a plan to reduce its debt burden, a senior U.S. government official disclosed.
Ruto arrived in the U.S. on Wednesday for a three-day state visit, including bilateral talks with Biden on Thursday, followed by a grand state dinner. This marks the sixth state visit hosted by the Biden administration and the first visit by an African president since 2008.
Over the past year, Africa's political landscape has undergone significant changes due to a series of military coups, wars, and tumultuous elections, increasing the influence of China and Russia in the region. Biden hopes to stabilize the African continent and advance U.S. interests by strengthening ties with Kenya.
On Thursday, Biden will designate Kenya as a major non-NATO ally, making it the first Sub-Saharan African nation to receive this title. Currently, 18 countries hold the major non-NATO ally designation, including Israel, Brazil, and the Philippines.
According to a senior government official, the two leaders will announce new U.S.-supported investment initiatives, including green energy and health manufacturing, along with a detailed plan to reduce Kenya's significant debt, much of which is owed to China.
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation will announce a new $250 million investment in Kenya, with $180 million allocated for a large affordable housing project. According to a U.S. government official, this will bring the total investment by U.S. financing institutions in Kenya to over $1 billion.
As Kenya prepares to send 1,000 paramilitary personnel to Haiti to help the UN address gang violence and hunger in the Caribbean nation, Haiti's humanitarian crisis will be a key discussion topic.
Biden stated that he plans to formally visit Africa in February following the U.S. presidential election, indicating his intention to defeat Donald Trump. Biden had promised to visit Africa in 2023, but the plan did not materialize.
Ruto will attend a state dinner lit by a thousand candles, featuring a menu of traditional tomato soup, butter-boiled lobster, smoked beef short ribs, and white chocolate desserts.
Country singer Brad Paisley and the Howard University Gospel Choir will perform at the dinner, paying tribute to Ruto's musical interests.
