STORY: U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to designate Kenya as a major non-NATO ally, a source familiar with the plans has said.
That would make Kenya the first sub-Saharan African country to receive such a designation.
The announcement is expected during a three-day state visit by Kenyan President William Ruto.
As he welcomed Ruto to the White House on Wednesday (May 22), Biden said he planned to visit Africa in February - though that is after the next U.S. presidential election.
A range of issues are being discussed during Ruto's trip, including trade and debt relief as well as the way forward for Ukraine, Sudan and Haiti.
Kenya is currently preparing to send troops to help address a security crisis in Haiti as part of a U.N.-backed mission.
On Wednesday, Biden said he and Ruto would also launch a new era of technology cooperation.
That includes work on cyber security, artificial intelligence and semiconductors.
"From Silicon Valley to Silicon Savannah, our people have brought those forward and pioneered new technologies that are transforming millions of lives."
"Our young population talented, educated, innovative and American technology that is cutting edge and investment capital and investors that are hungry for opportunities not just in Kenya but in our continent, is a perfect match for this moment."
Ruto's trip also includes a state dinner, marking 60 years of ties between the two countries.
The non-NATO ally designation is granted to close allies that have strategic working relationships with the U.S. military.
The apparent courtship reflects Washington's desire to deepen relations with Kenya - which also has long had close ties with Russia and China.
