The lavish State Dinner hosted by President Biden for Kenyan President Ruto symbolized an effort by the U.S. to counter Chinese influence in Africa by strengthening ties with a key regional ally. However, Kenya is likely to balance relationships with both Western and Eastern powers pragmatically to advance its economic and security interests, rather than firmly aligning with any single bloc.
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President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden rolled out the red carpet for the President of Kenya, William Ruto, and his wife, Rachel, hosting a lavish State Dinner at the White House. The Kenyan first couple, accompanied by three of their daughters, graced the event's red carpet ahead of the evening's pomp and circumstance.
State Dinners are painstakingly orchestrated by the First Lady's staff, with every detail meticulously planned – from the guest list and menu to the floral arrangements of pink orchids and red roses, and the exquisite table settings. The event also provided a platform for haute couture fashion, with Vice President Kamala Harris dazzling in an emerald green ensemble, while other guests donned African-inspired attire.
The black-tie affair attracted a constellation of stars, including Hollywood luminaries like Danai Gurira, known for her role in Black Panther, and LeVar Burton, famous for portraying Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking miniseries Roots. Former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, whose father hailed from Kenya, graced the event with their presence, accompanied by their respective spouses, Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama. Minnesota politician Ilhan Omar, born in Somalia, was also among the esteemed guests.
The menu primarily showcased American culinary traditions, featuring dishes like short ribs, lobster, and sweet corn, with little representation of Kenyan cuisine.
During Ruto's visit, the United States bestowed upon Kenya the coveted status of a non-NATO ally, signaling a strengthening of ties between the two nations. In his toast, President Ruto declared, "We proudly take a firm stance, shoulder to shoulder, for democracy in a world where troubles have shaken the faith of men."
Performances by country singer Brad Paisley and the gospel choir of Howard University provided entertainment for the evening, perhaps as a nod to President Ruto's fondness for country music and his status as Kenya's first evangelical Christian president.
This State Dinner marked a significant effort by the United States to reinforce its influence in Africa, as countries on the continent have increasingly gravitated towards alliances with China, Russia, and Iran in recent years, drawn by their economic investments and less stringent demands regarding human rights and democratic governance.
The question of whether Kenya is now pro-West or pro-East is a complex one, with implications for the geopolitical landscape in the region and beyond. Historically, Kenya has been a close ally of the West, particularly the United States and Europe, with strong ties dating back to the colonial era. However, in recent years, the allure of China's Belt and Road Initiative and the economic opportunities it presents have prompted a recalibration of Kenya's foreign policy.
Under the previous administration of Uhuru Kenyatta, Kenya deepened its economic and infrastructure partnerships with China, with the latter investing heavily in projects like the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor. This shift towards the East was driven by the promise of infrastructure development and access to financing, which the West had been reluctant to provide due to concerns over corruption and debt sustainability.
The elevation of Kenya's status as a non-NATO ally during Ruto's visit, however, signals a potential reorientation of the country's foreign policy back towards the West. This move could be seen as a strategic effort by the United States to counter China's growing influence in the region and to solidify its partnership with a key ally in East Africa.
Nonetheless, it would be simplistic to view Kenya's foreign policy as a binary choice between the West and the East. Under Ruto's leadership, Kenya is likely to adopt a more pragmatic and balanced approach, seeking to leverage its relationships with multiple partners to advance its economic and security interests.
While the State Dinner and the non-NATO ally status symbolize a rapprochement with the West, it is unlikely that Kenya will completely abandon its ties with China and other Eastern powers. The country's economic development agenda and its desire for infrastructure investment will continue to drive pragmatic engagement with all potential partners, regardless of ideological leanings.
Moreover, Kenya's position as a regional powerhouse and a hub for trade and diplomacy in East Africa necessitates a delicate balancing act between competing global powers. The country's strategic location and its role in regional security efforts, such as the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), make it an indispensable partner for both the West and the East.
Ultimately, Kenya's foreign policy under Ruto is likely to be guided by a pragmatic pursuit of its national interests, leveraging its relationships with diverse partners to maximize economic opportunities, enhance security, and project its influence in the region. While the State Dinner and the non-NATO ally status signify a strengthening of ties with the West, Kenya is unlikely to completely abandon its Eastern partnerships, opting instead for a balanced and pragmatic approach that serves its long-term development goals.
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