Kenya has become the first country in sub-Saharan African to gain major non-North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) ally status.
This status is given by the US to strategic allies which are not members of NATO. It confers a number of military and financial advantages which are not available to other countries.
The announcement was made by US President, Joe Biden, during a state visit to Washington by Kenyan President William Ruto.
Kenya has emerged as an important partner for the West in fighting instability in East Africa. Kenya is also leading a mission to Haiti, where it will attempt to restore order in the island nation.
Kenya’s status as a major non-NATO ally must now be approved by Congress. It will become the 19th country in the world with this status.