President Joe Biden is hosting Kenyan President William Ruto at the White House for a three-day state visit.
This visit comes as Kenya gears up to send troops to Haiti, joining a UN-led mission to address the escalating security situation in the Caribbean nation.
About 1,000 Kenyan police officers are scheduled to arrive in Haiti shortly. They are part of a broader international effort aimed at combating gang violence and restoring stability.
Several other nations, including the Bahamas, Barbados, Benin, Chad, and Bangladesh, are also expected to contribute to this security mission.
A top Biden administration official welcomed Ruto’s decision to send police forces to Haiti as an “unprecedented undertaking” and a show of global leadership by Kenya.
“This is a partnership that is deep and broad,” White House Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer said.
President Joe Biden and Kenyan President William Ruto will engage in official discussions and hold a joint news conference on Thursday, May 23, followed by a state dinner. Additionally, Ruto will join Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday for an event at the US Chamber of Commerce.
Moreover, White House officials have outlined an agenda for the leaders’ meeting, which includes topics such as trade and investment, technological innovation, climate change, and clean energy initiatives, as well as health and security concerns.
Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell stated the two countries would announce “substantial commitments” to elevate Kenya’s technological sector.
Kenya hosts offices of major tech giants like Google and Microsoft, establishing itself as East Africa’s technology hub, famously known as the Silicon Savannah.
President Biden welcomed many African leaders in Washington in December 2022, affirming the United States’ strong commitment to Africa’s future.
He pledged significant government funding and private investment across various sectors, including health, infrastructure, business, and technology.
Despite promising to visit sub-Saharan Africa in 2023, Biden faced challenges with competing priorities such as the Israel-Hamas conflict and efforts to secure funding for Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia.
Consequently, his planned visit to Africa did not come to fruition.
Russia’s Influence On the Rise In Africa
Meanwhile, Russia endeavors to increase its economic and military presence in Africa; recent developments have seen the expulsion of US troops from Niger by the country’s junta.
The withdrawal of these troops is anticipated to conclude by mid-September. In contrast, Russia has dispatched military trainers to Niger, signaling its expanding influence in the region.
Moreover, the United States finds itself trailing behind China in terms of investment in Africa. The continent has emerged as a significant arena for competition among major global powers.
Furthermore, Biden and his aides anticipate strong economic rivalry with Beijing in Africa. However, they argue that Washington offers greater reliability as a long-term partner on the continent.
According to Macharia Munene, a professor of international relations at the United States International University-Africa, Ruto sees the deployment of Kenyan police to Haiti as a crucial move in advancing this overarching goal.
“Ruto would like to be recognized, particularly in the West as the leader of the Africans. And this kind of recognition boosts that desire.”
Macharia Munene
However, Ruto said that with the mission to Haiti, Kenya aims to “formulate actionable strategies that will lead to long-term solutions” in the Western Hemisphere’s poorest nation.
Haiti has grappled with poverty, political turmoil, and natural calamities for many years. In support of the UN-backed mission in the country, the United States has pledged direct financial aid, as well as training, logistical, and material assistance.
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