Washington DC: In a significant move to strengthen U.S.-Kenya relations, President William Ruto‘s recent visit to the United States has marked a milestone in educational and security cooperation between the two countries. During his visit, President Ruto engaged in several key activities, including a notable event at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he underscored the mutual benefits of educational exchanges.
Dr. Tadios Belay of the U.S. Africa Institute highlighted the strategic engagement with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) as a cornerstone of this trip. “This initiative not only promotes academic cooperation but also enriches the educational experiences and opportunities for our higher learning institutions, students and faculty in the U.S. and Kenya” Dr. Belay noted. “The signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to lead to robust academic partnerships and deepen cultural understanding between Kenya and the United States.” Dr. Belay added.
Amidst the educational discourse, President Ruto also addressed significant economic and security issues. He advocated for the hastened renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to emphasize its potential to bolster Kenya’s economic growth by opening new markets. On the security front, both nations discussed frameworks to support Kenya as an anchor state in managing conflicts within the troubled regions of Eastern and Horn Africa.
Despite a setback where President Ruto was disinvited from addressing a joint session of the U.S. houses, his engagements with U.S. Congressional members from both parties highlighted the shared goals of global peace and stability. These discussions took place at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., reflecting a commitment to ongoing partnership.
President Ruto’s visit also drew attention due to the controversial use of a luxury private jet chartered from the Dubai-owned Royal Jet Company, amidst his government’s austerity measures. The Kenyan government defended the cost, estimated at $1.5 million, with a government spokesman stating, “The benefits from this visit far outweigh such a million times.”
Moreover, President Joe Biden expressed his appreciation for Kenya’s commitment to deploying police forces to Haiti to assist with gang violence, part of a broader multinational effort funded by the U.S. with $300 million. This gesture emphasizes Kenya’s role on the global stage, aligning with its democratic values to support international peacekeeping efforts.
This visit not only reaffirms the 60-year relationship between Kenya and the United States but also sets a forward-looking agenda for collaboration across education, economic growth, and security, ensuring the partnership continues to thrive amid global challenges.
