Ruto To Become First African President To Address US Congress

In what could turn out historic, two American legislators from a powerful House committee have written to the speaker seeking to have president William Ruto address a joint session of the congress in his upcoming official visit to the United States.

On 30th, House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY) and Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) sent a letter to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) requesting a formal invitation to the President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency William Samoei Ruto, to address a joint session of Congress on his official visit to the United States.

“We are writing to respectfully request that you extend a formal invitation to the President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency William Samoei Ruto, to address a joint session of Congress on his official visit to the United States,”wrote the members.

If this wish is granted, President Ruto would be the first Kenyan head of state to address a joint session of Congress, and the first African head of state to address Congress since former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf eighteen years ago.

“Such an invitation would underscore the importance of the U.S.-Kenya relationship and send a valuable signal to the people of Africa.” The members added in the letter.

The letter further breaks down the significance of the anticipated visit and relevance to the two countries relations. “This year, we are celebrating the historic 60-year anniversary of the U.S.-Kenya diplomatic relationship. Such an invitation would underscore the importance of the U.S.-Kenya relationship and send a valuable signal to the people of Africa.”

“It also has a young, ambitious, and well-educated workforce eager to contribute to the development of the country. These factors have helped the country become a leader in mobile money and information and communication technology.” It added.

Rest of the letter reads

U.S.-Kenya relations continue to deepen, encompassing strong political, economic, technological, and cultural ties. The United States is among Kenya’s largest trading partners and Kenya is one of Africa’s most dynamic economies, boasting a top utilization rate of U.S. market access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Nearly 100,000 Kenyan-Americans call the United States home. Moreover, the United States maintains an overseas military base at Manda Bay, on the Indian Ocean, to support operations to counter terrorist threats from Al-Shabaab. These are just some examples of the close ties forged between our nation and Kenya over the past six decades.  

Kenya’s security environment is growing increasingly complex with persistent terrorist threats from Al-Shabaab. The country has played an important stabilizing role in East Africa and beyond in recent years and stands poised to attract significant American investment that can help catalyze African economic growth. It is crucial for members of Congress to understand how Kenya’s active participation in Africa’s future and beyond is vital for peace and stability in the region and aligns with the broader economic and strategic interests of the United States.  

We therefore respectfully request that, at your earliest convenience, you invite President William Samoei Ruto to address a joint session of Congress when he is in the United States on or about May 23, 2024.