Kenyan President William Ruto Invited to Address Joint Session of US Congress in May 2024

The US House of Representatives has formally requested that Kenyan President William Ruto address a joint session of Congress during his official visit to the United States in May 2024. This invitation, made by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul and Ranking Member Gregory Meeks, marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the US and Kenya, and highlights Kenya's role as a key African economy and trade partner.

If accepted, Ruto would be the first Kenyan Head of State to address a joint session of Congress, and the second African Head of State to do so after former Liberian President Ellen Sirleaf Johnson 18 years ago. The request, if approved, would see Ruto address the joint session on or around May 23, 2024.

In their letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, McCaul and Meeks noted that US-Kenya relations continue to strengthen due to strong political, economic, technological, and cultural ties. They emphasized Kenya's efforts in regional peace and stability, its diversified economy, and its well-educated workforce as areas of interest. The Congressmen also pointed to the significant population of Kenyan-Americans as evidence of the mutual ties between the two countries.

Why this matters: The invitation signifies the importance of US-Kenya relations and the role Kenya plays as a key partner in Africa. It also aligns with the Biden administration's renewed focus on engaging with African nations.

President Ruto has expressed interest in partnerships with the US in areas such as infrastructure, renewable energy, green manufacturing, and empowering micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. President Biden thanked Kenya for agreeing to lead the Multinational Security Support mission to Haiti. "Kenya has the largest and most diversified economy in Africa, a young and growing population, and a well-educated workforce, making it a leader in mobile money and information technology," the committee stated, emphasizing Kenya's potential to attract significant American investment that can help catalyze African economic growth.

Key Takeaways

• US House requests Kenyan President Ruto to address joint Congress session in May 2024.
• Ruto would be the first Kenyan Head of State to address US Congress, after Liberia's Sirleaf.
• Invitation marks 60 years of US-Kenya diplomatic ties, highlights Kenya's role as key African economy.
• Ruto expressed interest in US partnerships in infrastructure, renewable energy, and SMEs.
• Invitation aligns with Biden admin's focus on engaging with African nations, recognizes Kenya's potential.