President William Ruto has been invited to address a joint session of Congress on his first official visit to the United States.
The House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul and Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks on Tuesday, April 30 sent a letter to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson requesting a formal invite to Ruto.
“We are writing to respectfully request that you extend a formal invitation to the President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency William Samoei Ruto, to address a joint session of Congress on his official visit to the United States," the members wrote.
"We therefore respectfully request that, at your earliest convenience, you invite President William Samoei Ruto to address a joint session of Congress when he is in the United States on or about May 23, 2024," the members added.
If the President agrees to make the invite, he will be the first Kenyan Head of State to address a joint session of Congress and the first African Head of State to address Congress since former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf 18 years ago.
This invite underscores the importance of the relationship between the US and Kenya and also sends a valuable signal to Africans.
“This year, we are celebrating the historic 60th anniversary of the U.S.-Kenya diplomatic relationship. Such an invitation would underscore the importance of the U.S.-Kenya relationship and send a valuable signal to the people of Africa," read part of the statement.
The officials emphasised that members of Congress needed to understand how Kenya’s active participation in Africa’s future and beyond is vital for peace and stability in the region and aligns with the broader economic and strategic interests of the United States.
Per the statement from the Congress members, Kenya was praised for having the largest, most diversified economy and a young and growing population.
Additionally, the members lauded Kenya for its young, ambitious and well-educated workforce who are eager to contribute to the country's development.
These factors according to the members have helped Kenya become a leader in mobile money and information and communication technology.
"U.S.-Kenya relations continue to deepen, encompassing strong political, economic, technological, and cultural ties. The United States is among Kenya’s largest trading partners and Kenya is one of Africa’s most dynamic economies," read the statement.
Notably, the two countries have partnered in various development sectors including security, trade and manufacturing. The US has a military base in Kenya at Manda Bay which helps the country counter terrorist threats from Al-Shabaab.
