President Joe Biden has announced plans to designate Kenya as a non-NATO ally, a historic first for a sub-Saharan African nation. This move highlights Kenya’s vital role in East African peace and stability.

The White House explained that this status is reserved for countries with which the US maintains close military and defense relationships. If Congress does not object within 30 days, the designation will become official. The US values Kenya’s significant contributions to global peace and security, emphasizing decades of strong security cooperation that have supported stability in East Africa and beyond.

Non-NATO allies benefit from various military and financial advantages without the mutual defense obligations of NATO members. They are eligible for loans, defense equipment, and cooperative research opportunities, and can host US War Reserve Stockpiles.

This announcement coincides with President William Ruto’s state visit to the US, underscoring the strategic importance of the US-Kenya relationship. The alliance extends to international peacekeeping, security governance, cybersecurity, and combating terrorist organizations like Al-Shabab and ISIS. The US also supports Kenya’s leadership in providing security assistance in Haiti.

Currently, there are 18 non-NATO allies, including countries like Japan, Australia, and Israel. Kenya’s designation reaffirms its critical role in global security initiatives and its strong partnership with the US.