WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) introduced a resolution recognizing the strategic relationship between the United States and Kenya and celebrating the 60-year anniversary of U.S.-Kenya relations. The resolution comes as President Joe Biden welcomes Kenyan President William Ruto to the White House for a historic State Visit this week.

The United States and Kenya established diplomatic relations in 1964 and have since developed a strong and enduring partnership. Kenya has become one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest economies and a regional hub for transportation, innovation, and finance. During this week’s State Visit, President Biden announced his intent to designate Kenya as a major non-NATO ally of the United States, the only one in sub-Saharan Africa. The resolution reaffirms the U.S.-Kenya strategic partnership and highlights the need for continued engagement on two-way trade and investment, defense cooperation, and public health. The resolution also calls for continued cooperation in promoting, strengthening, and defending democratic values and respect for human rights. 

“Kenya and the United States share a strong, lasting bond that has only grown with President Ruto’s state visit this week and President Biden’s announcement that Kenya will be designated our first major non-NATO ally in sub-Saharan Africa,” said Senator Coons. “This resolution recognizes our the strength of our relationship and makes clear we view Kenya as a key partner who we will continue to work closely with on the most pressing global issues for decades to come.”

“I’m proud to introduce this resolution honoring our two countries’ long friendship rooted in our shared commitment to fostering peace, security, and prosperity in the region,” said Senator Booker, Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy. “The people of Kenya are leading the way in the areas of renewable energy, innovation, and private investment, unlocking the abundance of their country and East Africa. I will continue working with the Government of Kenya on promoting the inclusion of civil society and the protection of human rights. President Ruto’s visit is historic and comes at an important moment for our two nations.”

“Righting our relationships with African partners is imperative for our national security as we look towards the future,” said Senator Tim Scott, Ranking Member of the Senate Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy. “I am glad to introduce this resolution, which recognizes the importance of the U.S.-Kenya partnership and expresses a desire to improve and strengthen our relationship with the Kenyan people.”

Senator Coons welcomed President Ruto on Wednesday to Congress with an International Conservation Caucus Foundation lunch. Senator Coons traveled to Kenya three times last year and recently returned from a trip to Cabo Verde, Zambia, Angola, Malawi, and Botswana.

A companion resolution is being filed in the House of Representatives, led by Representatives Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (Fla.-20), John James (Mich.-10), and Gregory Meeks (N.Y.-5).  

The full text of the resolution can be found here.