US to designate Kenya as ‘non-NATO ally’ during Ruto’s state visit

US President Biden will inform Congress on Thursday about Kenya’s new status.

The United States plans to designate Kenya as the first key non-NATO ally in sub-Saharan Africa during a visit to Washington, DC by Kenyan President Willam Ruto.

According to the White House, Biden will inform Congress on Thursday that he will designate Kenya with the largely symbolic title.

Currently, 18 countries are designated as non-NATO allies, including Israel, Brazil and the Philippines.

The label will reflect Kenya’s rise from a regional partner that has long cooperated with US counterterrorism operations on the continent to a major global influence.

Kenya will become the first sub-Saharan African country to receive the status.