The announcement by President Joe Biden that Kenya would become a non-NATO ally is a potent signal of the tight ties between the US and Kenya.
Biden’s historic action is a major turning point since it will make Kenya the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to be granted this status.
It also emphasizes how important Kenya is to maintaining peace and security in East Africa.
The White House released a statement saying, “Today President Biden is informing Congress he intends to designate Kenya as a major Non-NATO ally.”
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The designation takes effect after 30 days if Congress does not disagree.
According to the White House, the US only bestows this esteemed title on nations with which it has deep, strategic military and defense ties.
“The US holds deep respect for Kenya’s substantial contributions to global peace and security,” stated the statement.
Strong security cooperation between the two countries has been essential to preserving peace in East Africa and beyond for many years.
Currently, 32 nations are members of NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization; these nations are referred to as NATO allies.
These are independent nations that convene to deliberate on matters of politics and security and reach an agreement on decisions as a group.
On April 4, 1949, twelve founding members signed the Washington Treaty, often known as the North Atlantic Treaty.
President William Ruto’s accomplishments on his current state visit to the US include this decision.
It not only emphasizes the strategic significance of Kenya’s relationship with the United States but also emphasizes Kenya’s important participation in international security activities.
According to US law, international partners that provide specific benefits in the fields of defense trade and security cooperation can apply for the designation status.
The distinction is a clear indication of the great regard for the relationship between the recipient countries.
While these nations enjoy some financial and military benefits, they are not bound by the same obligations to one another in terms of mutual defense as members of NATO under Article 5 of the alliance treaty.
Additionally, they are qualified to borrow materials, tools, or equipment for joint research, development, testing, or assessment.
It can also be used as a site for US-owned War Reserve Stockpiles to be positioned outside US military installations on its soil.
Agreements for the joint provision of training on a bilateral or multilateral basis between nations and the US are permissible as long as the financial arrangements are reciprocal and cover all direct costs incurred by the US.
It is also assured that if the location is on the southern or southeast edge of NATO, it will be eligible for expedited delivery of Excess Defense Articles transferred under section 516 of the Foreign Assistance Act, including consideration for the acquisition of depleted uranium ammunition.
This long-lasting collaboration covers several important domains, such as international peacekeeping, peace talks, security governance, refugee integration, and cybersecurity cooperation.
In international efforts to counter terrorist groups like al-Shabaab and ISIS members operating in the region, the US-Kenya relationship plays a critical role.
Additionally, the US is unwavering in its support of Kenya’s leadership in the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to Haiti, which offers the Haitian people vital security assistance.
There are now 18 nations recognized as non-NATO allies.
These are the following: Pakistan, the Philippines, Qatar, South Korea, Thailand, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, New Zealand, Australia, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Israel, and Japan.
