Kenya’s President Meets U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in New York

Kenyan President William Ruto held talks with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a meeting in New York. Discover the key topics discussed and the significance of this diplomatic engagement.

Kenya’s President William Ruto expressed gratitude to the United States for the substantial support provided to Africa in terms of equipment and assistance during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in New York on Thursday.

“Your assistance in South Sudan, our initiatives in the DRC, and I look forward to discussing these matters further to explore how our collaboration can facilitate solutions in these regions,” stated President Ruto.

He also highlighted his recent visit to Haiti, where he observed notable advancements, including enhancements to the airport, hospital, and police academy near the port. Nevertheless, he emphasized that significant challenges persist and that additional resources are essential.

READ ALSO: Ruto Commends Kenyan Police Force During Official Visit to Haiti

President Ruto is attending the UN General Assembly in New York this week.

Kenya was the first country to deploy forces as part of a broader U.N. initiative to provide international support to Haiti, which has been engulfed in conflict and political instability since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.

Currently, approximately 400 Kenyan police officers are stationed in Haiti. Earlier this month, around two dozen police and soldiers from Jamaica also arrived in the country.

However, the United States and other nations have indicated that the current forces are insufficient and lack the necessary resources to effectively combat gangs that control roughly 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince.