Biden to Designate Kenya as Major Non-NATO Ally During Ruto's U.S. Visit

President Biden plans to designate Kenya as a major non-NATO ally during President Ruto's state visit to the U.S., signifying a deepened strategic relationship. This symbolic move coincides with Kenya's preparation to send forces to Haiti for a U.N.-led security operation.

U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to designate Kenya as a major non-NATO ally as Kenyan President William Ruto starts a three-day state visit to the United States, a source familiar with the plans said.

The largely symbolic designation reflects Washington's drive to deepen relations with the East African nation, which is preparing to send forces to Haiti as part of a U.N.-led force deploying to address the security crisis in the Caribbean.

The designation is granted by the United States to close, non-NATO allies that have strategic working relationships with the U.S. military.