Sens. Scott, Booker Recognize 60 Years of U.S.-Kenya Relations

WASHINGTON — This week, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), the Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, along with Subcommittee Chair Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) introduced a resolution honoring 60 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Kenya and recognizing the importance of our strategic relationship.

This week, Senator Scott, along with Senate Leadership and fellow Senate Foreign Relations Committee members, welcomed Kenyan President William Ruto to the U.S. Capitol for a discussion on the future of the U.S.-Kenya relations.

“Righting our relationships with African partners is imperative for our national security as we look towards the future,” said Senator Tim Scott, Ranking Member of the Senate Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy. “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.”

“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,” said Senator Booker, Chair of theSenate Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy. “The people of Kenya are leading the way in the areas of renewable energy, innovation, and private investment, unlocking the abundance of their country and East Africa. I will continue working with the Government of Kenya on promoting the inclusion of civil society and the protection of human rights. President Ruto’s visit is historic and comes at an important moment for our two nations.”

Senators Scott and Booker were joined in introducing the resolution by Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.). A companion resolution is being filed in the House of Representatives, led by Representatives Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.), John James (R-Mich.), Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), and Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.).

Background:
The United States and Kenya established diplomatic relations in 1964 and have since developed a strong and enduring partnership. Kenya has become one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest economies, and a regional hub for transportation, innovation, and finance. The resolution reaffirms the U.S.-Kenya strategic partnership and highlights the need for continued engagement on increasing economic opportunity, defense cooperation, and public health. The resolution also calls for continued cooperation in promoting, strengthening, and defending democratic values and respect for human rights.