- Biden stated that as the two countries celebrate 60 years of partnership, they are committed to delivering on the challenges that matter most to their citizens.
- These include health security, economic security, cybersecurity and climate security.
Image: PCS
United States President Joe Biden has said Kenya and his country remain united by democratic values despite being miles apart.
In a video posted on his X account, Biden stated that as the two countries celebrate 60 years of partnership, they are committed to delivering on the challenges that matter most to their citizens.
These include health security, economic security, cybersecurity and climate security.
He added that both nations are driving a race to the top with investments they have, and high standards for workers, technology and the environment.
"America and Kenya: Divided by distance. United by democratic values," Biden said.
The US President noted that the past is proof that the world is safer with Kenya and the US working together.
Ruto concluded his state visit to the US on Friday.
During his time there, he among other issues, committed to work closely with the United States government to bring peace to Haiti and fight terrorism.
Ruto spoke when he met U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon in Virginia on Friday.
"We have undertaken the responsibility bestowed on us by the international community to lead our troops to Haiti. And as I said we consider the situation in Haiti that it requires the input of all nations who believe in the rule of law and freedom," Ruto said.
"It is time that we all showed up for Haiti and I promise you that we will be working with your teams to see how we can do this together."
Austin said Kenya's support in the peace-keeping mission in Haiti shows the important role Kenya plays in the global sphere.
"We also appreciate Kenya's contribution to UN international stability and peace approaches. We are also grateful for Kenya's general support in hosting US forces in Mandabay," Austin said.
Austin noted that Kenya and the US have agreed to expand the Manda Bay military base.
The President was also feted with the Outstanding Leaders Award by the American Chamber of Commerce.
This was in recognition of his work to promote and advance business-led solutions and his steadfast commitment to trade and investment initiatives to grow Kenya's economy.
The US pledged a number of goodies including $40 million for democracy, human rights, and governance programming in Kenya.
These include the Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal programmes that defend democratic elections and political processes, increase women’s political participation and leadership, counter gender-based violence, and advance digital democracy.
The United States also announced $700,000 in new assistance to support human rights efforts in addition to $2.7 million to improve civil society engagement in and oversight of governance processes.
The US Agency for International Development announced an additional $1.3 million youth empowerment programme aimed at strengthening political engagement at the subnational level and $600,000 to advance disability inclusion.
To boost the fight against corruption, the US pledged $500,000 for a new Fiscal Integrity Programme to make budget processes more transparent and inclusive and increase citizen engagement.
There was a further $500,000 to broaden the reach and effectiveness of anti-corruption advocacy by empowering civil society actors to create and disseminate multimedia content that engages citizens and mobilises action against corruption.