POLITICS: In 1963, a new nation was formed. It was one that sprang forth out of the confines of British government rule and reconstructed a new government to stand as a nation in sovereignty and independence. That nation was Kenya, east Africa. In Washington, today, US President Joe Biden announced a renewed (lap) in the 60 years of relations between the United States and Kenya--one of Africa's most progressive and promising governments.
By Michelle Crawford-Sapenter
President Biden stated, in 1963, " It was a moment that forever connected our two nations. For while we may have been divided by distance, we’re united by the same democratic values."
Today, in Washington, US President Biden met with Kenya's President William Ruto and Mrs Ruto. Gathering together on the White House South Lawn, President Biden and President Ruto were joined by Vice President Kamala Harris, First Lady Dr Jill Biden and Second Gentlemen Doug Emhoff.
"Kenya and the United States stand together, committed to each other, committed to our people, and committed to building a better world — one of greater opportunity, dignity, security, and liberty for all Americans, for all Kenyans."--President Joe Biden
60 years ago, the nation of Kenya's emergence in democracy a choice and decision made then by the leadership that perceived a nation poised for economic progress, rapid growth in a efficient and remunerative non-NATO defense force that is governed by an economy that controls as much as $300billion dollars generated through the presence of manufacturing, agriculture, telecommunications, transportation, tourism other services.
Kenya, today, partners in imports with half a dozen governments including China, UAE, Saudi Arabia and others while expending less than 10% of the country's annual GDP.
The US has made progress as Kenya has progressed as a democratic nation since 1963. President Biden commented in reference to having traveled to Kenya years ago as the distance that once separated the two countries grew narrow fusing relations between the US and Kenya through a common strength shared as a result of an established plan to maintain sovereignty.
Biden commented that his respect for Kenya was first experienced during the year of the Cold War when, as a young Senator, when he traveled to the east African nation as he states he watched as governments stood as one and prevailed against communism.
Out of a legacy of power generated through resolute intrepidity was born the spirit of undying purpose and undeniable tenacity that is, now, the principle thread of character that runs deeply within the nation of Kenya and within its people. Biden commented in reference to young students who uphold the standards of justice, transparency and accountability--the elements that are situated at the "...heart of our democracy."
Biden commented in regard to the united plan established between the US and Kenya that will provide for two nations to stand against terrorism; the ISIS al Shabaab perpetrators that plague east Africa with threats of violence. The US and Kenya will stand strong against Russian aggression that which is being imposed on Ukraine and violence that seeks to destroy democracy.
"Kenya and the United States stand together, committed to each other, committed to our people, and committed to building a better world — one of greater opportunity, dignity, security, and liberty for all Americans, for all Kenyans." Kenyan President, William Ruto
Ruto commented, today, thanking P{resident Biden for the invitation and visit to the white House, Ruto stated that, as the visit to Washington symbolizes the longstanding US-Kenya friendship, Ruto acknowledged the common values shared by both nations which uphold the values of freedom, democracy, the rule of law, equality and inclusion.
Ruto indicated that conversations between he and Biden will cover the most pressing challenges faced by both nations including "...building global partnership, leadership,... climate change, challenges of insecurity, challenges around debt distress."
In a unified effort, Ruto stated that the US and Kenya have, before each, an opportunity to build a "...promising, much more prosperous — a fairer, a freer, a healthier, and a much more prosperous future."
Ruto commented in reference to Kenya's central policy to support peace, emphasizing the heavy lifting being performed by Kenya in the Horn of Africa, in the Great Lakes region. Ruto stated that Kenyan's value the support shown to their nation by the United States as the "friendship and collaboration has afforded Kenya a greater opportunity to harness its obligation to maintain national security.
Together Biden and Ruto agreed that the re-acknowledgement and reshaping of partnership relations between the two nations will yield "solutions..." that are needed on the global spectrum and, as Biden commented, both the United States and Kenya will remain committed to each other, to its people and to building a better world.
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