President William Ruto has accepted an invitation of a State visit from his United States (U.S) counterpart Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.
In a statement, President Biden announced that he would host Ruto on May 23, 2024.
“The upcoming visit will mark the 60th anniversary of U.S.-Kenya diplomatic relations and will celebrate a partnership that is delivering for the people of the United States and Kenya,” read part of the statement.
The first in command welcomed the invite, saying it was an opportunity to strengthen U.S-Kenya ties in various sectors.
“Kenya views the state visit as a high profile opportunity to articulate a new era of dynamic partnership aimed at transforming trade and investment, green energy and climate action, digital technology and innovation, health and human development, peace and security as well as multilateralism and collective action to deliver shared prosperity for Kenya, Africa, the Global South and the entire world,” he added.
He also acknowledged that the 60-year anniversary between Kenya and the U.S was also very significant for the country.
“This visit will provide an opportunity for our governments and nations to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations, which began at the dawn of Kenya’s independence from colonial rule, and the birth of a free, open, democratic sovereign nation,” Ruto added.
The scheduled visit comes against the backdrop of diplomatic tiffs globally particularly on the Israel-Hamas war, police deployment to Haiti, Russia-Ukraine war among other matters.
Kenya recently pronounced itself after South Africa petitioned against Israel at the International Criminal Court demanding a ceasefire.
Israel on the other hand accused South Africa of violating the Genocide Convention by failing to provide adequate information on Hamas’s actions and undermining their right of self defense.
This comes amid persistent allegations of the U.S supplying Israel with armoury to extend the war against Hamas even as negotiations on possible solutions continue.
President Joe Biden is also seeking another term in office as U.S elections in August inch closer. So far, former Head of State Donald Trump appears to be his biggest competitor.
