On 23rd last month, President Joe Biden hosted a grand White House dinner to honour Kenyan President William Ruto , marking the first state visit by an African leader in nearly 20 years. The event featured a surprise appearance by former US president Barack Obama, emphasising the significance of US-Kenya relations.

The state dinner underscored the significance of US-Kenya relations, with President Biden praising Ruto’s bold leadership and announcing Kenya’s designation as a major non-NATO ally, a first for sub-Saharan Africa. This move aims to bolster bilateral ties and recognise Kenya’s growing influence on the global stage. Biden and Ruto also unveiled the “Nairobi-Washington Vision,” a collaborative effort to support debt relief for developing nations and enhance cooperation on critical issues such as health, security, economic stability, cybersecurity, and climate change.

Former President Obama, whose father was born in Kenya, briefly attended the dinner, emphasising the personal and historical significance of the event. His presence symbolised the deep connections between the two nations. The evening’s celebrations not only honoured the longstanding friendship between the US and Kenya but also looked forward to a future of enhanced collaboration and mutual support in tackling global challenges.

References

Independent Barack is back! Obama stops by Biden’s lavish state dinner for Kenyan president

The East African Ruto, Biden announce new investment deals as they seek deeper ties

BBC Biden welcomes Kenya’s leader as US under pressure in Africa