Following the recent historic state visit of Kenya’s President to the United States to celebrate 60 years of partnership between both countries, a lot in global as well as local politics has been discussed. It had been slightly over fifteen years since John Kufuor of Ghana made the last state visit as an African president to the US of America. During this significant meeting, both presidents explored diverse subjects and reached agreements that promise to shape our future in the following ways:
- Designating Kenya a Major Non-NATO Ally
With Kenya set to be designated a major non-NATO ally, we anticipate a significant boost in military cooperation. This designation is expected to enhance our national security, with increased support and collaboration in combating terrorism and other threats. As a result, our security forces will likely receive advanced training, equipment, and resources, leading to a safer nation for all of us. The Haiti security deployment commitment by Kenya remains a controversy.
- Launching the Nairobi-Washington Vision
The Nairobi-Washington Vision is intended to mobilize resources for countries burdened by debt, create opportunities for private sector financing, and promote better lending practices. For us, this initiative is expected to translate into more jobs and economic growth. As businesses gain better access to funding and new investments flow into Kenya, we can look forward to an economy that flourishes and offers more opportunities for everyone. One that is free from debt and it’s citizens can afford better living standards.
- Kickstarting a New Era of Technology Cooperation
The agreement aims to revolutionize our technology sectors, particularly in AI, semiconductors, and cybersecurity partnerships. It also seeks to expand STEM education and internet access across East Africa. This initiative is predicted to transform our educational landscape, providing better resources for teaching science and technology and preparing our children for future careers. Moreover, improved internet access will likely connect more communities, offering new avenues for online education and business development.
- Strengthening Our People-to-People Partnerships
The emphasis on strengthening bonds between our people is expected to result in more cultural exchanges, educational opportunities, and collaboration on democratic initiatives. This agreement is set to deepen our longstanding friendships, fostering mutual respect and understanding. As a result, our communities will likely experience enhanced quality of life, celebrating shared values and growing closer together.
We hope that these agreements are not just about diplomatic discussions; but about creating a future with real, tangible benefits. We look forward to increased security, more job opportunities, better education, and stronger community ties, all of which are set to significantly improve our daily lives.
Are Kenya-US Relations Important Anyway?
According to census data, over 100,000 Kenyans live in the United States, a similar number of Americans live or visit Kenya every year while over 2 million Africans reside in America. These figures underscore the deep connections between the two nations. In addition to the significant diaspora populations, Kenya and the US rely on each other in various aspects locally. Therefore, it’s undeniable that there’s a pressing need for stronger and fairer bilateral relations, beneficial for both the people and development agendas of both countries.
Boniface M. Harrison is a Kenyan Social Scientist with deep expertise in international relations. Email boniface@muemactionpost.org
2 Responses
Great one
Good article with a lot of insights.
You have left the Nairobi Mombasa expressway signed by Everstrong company and Kenya….