Ruto to Make History: Addressing Joint Session of US Congress
President William Ruto has been asked to speak at a joint session of Congress during his inaugural official trip to the United States.
On April 30, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul and Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks wrote to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, requesting that he formally invite Ruto.
“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,” the members wrote.
“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,” the members added.
Should the President agree to deliver the invitation, he would become the first Kenyan leader to speak to a joint session of Congress, as well as the first African leader to address Congress since Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf 18 years ago.
This invitation highlights the significance of the US-Kenya relationship and conveys an important message to Africans.
“This year, we are celebrating the historic 60th 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,” read part of the statement.
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The officials highlighted the importance of Congress members recognizing how Kenya’s proactive role in shaping Africa’s future is crucial for maintaining peace and stability in the region and aligns with U.S. economic and strategic interests.
Congress members commended Kenya for its robust and diverse economy and its young, expanding population.
They also acknowledged Kenya’s young, ambitious, and well-educated workforce as key to the country’s progress.
These elements have positioned Kenya as a leader in mobile money and information and communication technology, according to the Congress members.
“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,” read the statement.
The two nations have collaborated across multiple development fields, such as security, trade, and manufacturing. Additionally, the US operates a military base in Kenya at Manda Bay, aiding in the country’s efforts to combat terrorist threats from Al-Shabaab.
Ruto to Make History: Addressing Joint Session of US Congress