President Joe Biden welcomed Kenyan President William Ruto to the White House for a three-day state visit as Kenya prepares to deploy forces to Haiti as part of a U.N.-led effort to address the security crisis in the Caribbean nation. The deployment of 1,000 Kenyan police officers is part of a multilateral security support mission aimed at combating gang violence in Haiti, with other countries such as the Bahamas, Barbados, Benin, Chad, and Bangladesh expected to provide additional support. The U.S. has a history of partnering with Kenya on counterterrorism efforts in Africa and has expressed firm commitment to supporting the Kenyan deployment.
Kenya’s decision to send police forces to Haiti was praised by top Biden administration officials as a demonstration of global leadership. This state visit marks the first time since 2008 that a U.S. state visit has been granted to an African nation. The visit began with a meeting between the two leaders focusing on strengthening ties between the American and Kenyan tech sectors, with executives from companies like Teneo, Alphabet, and Semiconductor Technologies Limited in attendance. The agenda also includes discussions on the challenges posed by heavy debt loads in Kenya and across Africa, with a focus on creating a fair international financial system.
The state visit will also feature formal talks and a joint news conference between Biden and Ruto, followed by a state dinner. Additional events include Ruto’s participation in an event at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce with Vice President Kamala Harris, focusing on trade and investment, technological innovation, climate and clean energy, health, and security. Both countries are celebrating their 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and substantial commitments to elevate Kenya’s technological sector are expected to be announced during the visit.
Since President Biden’s inauguration, the administration has emphasized its commitment to Africa’s future and has made promises of government funding and private investment on the continent in various sectors. Despite these promises, Biden’s planned visit to sub-Saharan Africa was postponed due to other priorities such as the Israel-Hamas war and funding issues for Ukraine. The administration is also facing challenges from Russia’s growing influence in Africa and China’s increasing investment and economic presence on the continent.
Biden’s administration has acknowledged the need to compete with China in Africa but has emphasized the United States as a more reliable partner in the region. The U.S. has hosted several African leaders for discussions but has faced criticism for a decline in engagement since the U.S.-Africa leaders’ summit in 2022. The visit by President Ruto is seen as an opportunity to enhance Kenya’s global standing and leadership, especially through involvement in the mission to Haiti. The mission aims to address long-term solutions to the crisis in Haiti, supported by direct financial assistance and training from the U.S.-backed mission. However, the deployment of Kenyan police forces to Haiti has faced opposition and legal challenges in Nairobi.
