US First Lady, Jill Biden is scheduled to arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for a three-day visit from Friday, February 24, to Sunday, February 26.
The visit will mark her inaugural visit to Kenya as the First Lady of the United States and her third visit in general.
Considering the nature of her tour, the US goes to all lengths to protect high-ranking government officials during such trips.
The task is left to the Secret Service, a federal law enforcement agency mandated to maintain a safe environment for the President and other high-ranking politicians.
According to the Secret Service government website, whenever the President or First Lady travels, an advance team of elite agents reach out to the host country's security forces and public safety officials to jointly implement the necessary security measures.
How the Secret Service Works
Before Jill's visit, the Service conducts close coordination with the White House staff to determine the destination, scope and duration of any visit.
Effective security planning begins, incorporating United States Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) members.
According to its website, DSS consists of over 2,500 special agents across more than 270 locations worldwide.
The agents comprise security technical specialists, diplomatic couriers and security engineering officers.
In the case of a foreign country, a liaison is established with Kenya's security forces through the Secret Service offices in the country.
Based on the nature of the visit, the host country is notified via diplomatic notice of the impending visit of a US dignitary.
In the case of war-torn and risk-prone areas, a notification is made at the highest levels whereby intricate details regarding the first lady's itinerary are closely held within the security circles. The White House, State Department and Secret Service use an official, secure communication method.
Once Jill Biden lands in the country, a clandestine operation is incorporated to transport her to a specific location.
These operations include diversions in terms of movements and the use of agents and military assets assigned to support the visit.
The military assets include vehicles, extra personnel and robust tactical units, including U.S. Military Special Operations, Secret Service Counter Assault Team (CAT) and DSS Mobile Security Deployment (MSD).
For instance, on May 8, 2022, the Secret Service sneaked Jill into war-torn Ukraine when the US pulled out its diplomatic staff and closed its embassy.
She spent over two hours in the country and traveled by road to various towns.
During the visit, Jill is slated to meet her counterpart, Rachel Ruto, to reinforce the United States' partnerships on the African Continent.
