Kenya's President Ruto hopes to strengthen economic ties with Biden during White House visit in May

President William Ruto of Kenya will make a state visit to the White House in May 2024 to meet with President Joe Biden and further discussions on bilateral cooperation.

The visit marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between Kenya and the United States.

"On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of Kenya, I convey my deep appreciation to @POTUS and @FLOTUS of the United States of America, for undertaking to host me at the White House," President Ruto said in a statement via X on Friday, February 16.

He looks forward to "engaging with President Biden on a broad range of matters of mutual interest to our nations."

Mr. Ruto hopes the visit will be an opportunity to "articulate a new era of dynamic partnership aimed at transforming trade and investment, green energy and climate action, digital technology and innovation, health and human development, peace and security."

Kenya views the state visit as a chance to strengthen economic ties with its key Western ally.

Bilateral trade between the two countries was over $1 billion in 2021, according to figures from the OEC.WORLD.

Kenya also receives significant US development and security assistance.

"This visit will provide an opportunity for our governments and nations to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations, which began at the dawn of Kenya's independence from colonial rule, and the birth of a free, open, democratic sovereign nation," Ruto said.