Palmetto State News

U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) have introduced a resolution commemorating 60 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Kenya. Senator Scott, the Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, along with Subcommittee Chair Senator Booker, underscored the significance of this strategic relationship.

This week, both senators, alongside Senate leadership and members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, welcomed Kenyan President William Ruto to the U.S. Capitol for discussions about future U.S.-Kenya relations.

“Righting our relationships with African partners is imperative for our national security as we look towards the future,” said Senator Scott. “I am glad to introduce this resolution, which recognizes the importance of the U.S.-Kenya partnership and expresses a desire to improve and strengthen our relationship with the Kenyan people.”

Senator Booker added, “I’m proud to introduce this resolution honoring our two countries’ long friendship rooted in our shared commitment to fostering peace, security, and prosperity in the region. The people of Kenya are leading the way in renewable energy, innovation, and private investment. I will continue working with the Government of Kenya on promoting inclusion of civil society and protection of human rights. President Ruto’s visit is historic and comes at an important moment for our two nations.”

The resolution was also supported by Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.). A companion resolution has been filed in the House of Representatives by Representatives Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.), John James (R-Mich.), Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), and Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.).

The United States established diplomatic relations with Kenya in 1964. Since then, Kenya has grown into one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest economies and a regional hub for transportation, innovation, and finance. The resolution reaffirms this strategic partnership while emphasizing continued engagement in economic opportunities, defense cooperation, public health initiatives, democratic values promotion, and human rights advocacy.