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WATCH: Golden State Warriors visit the White House, thank Biden for bringing home Griner

President Joe Biden hosted the 2022 NBA Champion Golden State Warriors at the White House on Tuesday.

Watch the event in the player above.

The Warriors beat the Boston Celtics in a six-game series last year. It was the team’s fourth championship in eight seasons, but one that came only after a difficult rebuilding effort for the team.

The president planned to hold an East Room celebration with the team on Tuesday afternoon but earlier in the day Coach Steve Kerr and star player Steph Curry stopped by the White House briefing to say a few words.

Curry thanked the administration for its work to bring home Brittney Griner, the WNBA star who had been jailed in Russia on drug charges. He called her a “big part of our basketball family.”

WATCH: How the Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry built a dynasty

“It means a lot to know that she’s here and home safe with her family,” Curry said.

Kerr said he participated in a roundtable on gun violence with White House officials and two of his players, Moses Moody and Klay Thompson.

“We learned a lot about what this administration is doing to help create a safer environment in our country,” Kerr said.

Biden signed gun legislation last year, but he’s pledged to keep working toward tighter restrictions, including an assault weapons ban.

The Warriors won in 2015, 2017 and 2018, only to see their hopes for a dynastic reign atop the NBA fall apart due to injuries and roster changes. But after falling to the bottom of the NBA, the team rebuilt itself to win another championship in 2022.

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How the Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry built a dynasty

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Golden State Warriors return to White House as NBA champs after avoiding Trump

Draymond Green told ABC News that the trip was an "incredible honor."

The Golden State Warriors returned to the White House as national champions on Tuesday -- their first trip back since Barack Obama's presidency, despite winning two championships while former President Donald Trump was in office.

The Warriors defeated the Boston Celtics during the 2022 NBA finals, claiming their fourth championship in the last eight seasons.

"I know the team we're honoring today understands what it takes to work together. Let me just say that the Golden State Warriors are always welcome in this White House," President Joe Biden said Tuesday in the East Room while welcoming the team and referencing their past conflicts with Trump .

Following their 2017 victory, the Warriors didn't make the trip to Washington after Trump withdrew the customary White House invitation when Stephen Curry, one of the team's stars, indicated he would vote against going.

In 2018, before the Warriors swept the Cleveland Cavaliers to become champions once again, Trump said he wouldn't invite either team, though the Cavaliers' LeBron James and Curry both said their teams weren't interested in attending .

The Warriors started their visit to Washington this week by defeating the Washington Wizards, 127-118, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which Biden noted on Tuesday. The president also acknowledged the advocacy work that the Warriors do off the court.

"Look at what this team does: speaking out against racism, standing up for equality. I mean speaking out loudly against racism. Standing up for equality, encouraging people to vote, empowering children and their families to eat healthy, learn and play in safe places, rallying the country against gun violence," he said.

Curry expressed his gratitude to the president for hosting his team and presented Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris with their own Warriors jerseys.

"We are a team, we do it together. And to be able to celebrate our championship together with you here, it means a lot," Curry said.

Before the East Room ceremony, Curry and Warriors' head coach Steve Kerr dropped by the White House briefing room, which was packed with reporters.

Curry spoke about the "opportunity to reflect on the accomplishment last year, to bring everybody together to celebrate that." He also said he wanted to acknowledge how sport brings "people together from all walks of life, all backgrounds, to provide aspiration, hope, love, togetherness."

"That's what our journey was last year," he said.

He also thanked the Biden administration for their work to free WNBA star Brittney Griner , who had been held in Russia.

"[It] means a lot to notice she's here and home safe for the family and all the work that went on behind the scenes to make that a reality," Curry said.

Kerr said he participated in a roundtable on gun violence and gun safety along with senior White House staffers and Warriors Klay Thompson and Moses Moody.

"We learned a lot about what this administration is doing to help create a safer environment in our country, something that's very close to my heart. And it's wonderful for me to learn a lot more than I knew. So coming in today -- it's a great day on many fronts," Kerr said.

The East Room ceremony was attended by players' families, Bay Area music legends like E-40 and members of California's congressional delegation.

"Dub Nation is in the house!" exclaimed the vice president, a Bay Area native, as she introduced the Warriors to the White House once again.

Speaking with reporters after the ceremony, the players said Tuesday's visit was "majestic."

"I've been here now four times in total and every time it's just majestic. It kind of grounds you a little bit more in the values of what drives you on a daily basis in your kind of places," Curry said.

Draymond Green told ABC News that the trip was an "incredible honor."

"As a kid growing up in Saginaw, Michigan, you only dream of seeing the White House, let alone have an opportunity to attend or be celebrated. And so for us to have this opportunity is absolutely incredible," he said.

Green said there just be might a future White House occupant in their ranks, too.

"I thought Steph's speech was incredible. And Steph -- I think Steph could one day run for president of the United States. What better person? Smart, he's put together, he doesn't really make mistakes. Like, why not?" Green said.

He had his sights set on another position, he joked.

"President Draymond? I don't know if anybody in this country want me as the president. Secretary of defense though," he said to laughs.

Watch CBS News

Photos: NBA Champion Golden State Warriors visit the White House

January 17, 2023 / 3:00 PM PST / CBS News

US President Joe Biden, left, arrives with Stephen Curry, basketball player for the NBA's Golden State Warriors, while hosting the Golden State Warriors in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023. Biden is honoring the team to celebrate their 2022 NBA championship against the Boston Celtics. 

President Biden Hosts 2022 NBA Champions Golden State Warriors at the White House

Representative Eric Swalwell, a Democrat from California, exits following an event hosting the Golden State Warriors in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023. 

US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during an event hosting the Golden State Warriors in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023.  

US President Joe Biden, center, and US Vice President Kamala Harris, right, hold custom jerseys while hosting the Golden State Warriors in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023. 

Paul Pelosi, husband of Representative Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from California, not pictured, during an event hosting the Golden State Warriors in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023. 

Representative Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from California, and her husband Paul Pelosi, top center, during an event hosting the Golden State Warriors in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023. 

NBA star Steph Curry speaks during a ceremony honoring the Golden State Warriors in the East Room of the White House January 17, 2023 in Washington, DC. 

U.S. President Joe Biden poses for a photo with the Golden State Warriors during a ceremony honoring the team in the East Room of the White House January 17, 2023 in Washington, DC.

U.S. President Joe Biden jokes after posing for a photo with the Golden State Warriors during a ceremony honoring the team in the East Room of the White House January 17, 2023 in Washington, DC.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris (R) and NBA star Steph Curry (L) applaud during a ceremony honoring the Golden State Warriors in the East Room of the White House January 17, 2023 in Washington, DC.

Golden State Warriors player Stephen Curry (L) and US basketball coach Steve Kerr look on as White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks during the daily briefing in the Brady Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on January 17, 2023.

Golden State Warriors player Stephen Curry (L) looks on as US basketball coach Steve Kerr speaks during the daily briefing in the Brady Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on January 17, 2023.

US President Joe Biden (R) shakes hands with Golden State Warriors basketball player Stephen Curry (L) as US Vice President Kamala Harris (C) looks on during a celebration for the Golden State Warriors 2022 NBA championship, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on January 17, 2023.

Golden State Warriors basketball player Stephen Curry (2R) takes a photo with a fan after an event with members of the Golden State Warriors basketball team to celebrate their 2022 NBA championship, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on January 17, 2023.

US President Joe Biden gestures prior to taking a photo with members of the Golden State Warriors basketball team to celebrate their 2022 NBA championship, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on January 17, 2023.

Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry speaks during the daily White House press briefing on January 17, 2023 in Washington, DC. 

Golden State Warriors | Warriors visit the White House for 2022 NBA…

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Golden State Warriors

Golden state warriors | warriors visit the white house for 2022 nba title celebration, president joe biden welcomed the golden state warriors to the white house tuesday afternoon to honor them for their 2022 nba title..

“Dub Nation is in the house,” Vice President — and Oakland native — Kamala Harris said with pride Tuesday afternoon when she introduced the 2022 NBA champions during a ceremony in the White House’s East Room.

Harris added, “On a personal note, I have been a Warriors fan my entire life, and this team has been a constant source of joy and pride, for me and for so many of us,” speaking to a crowd that included San Francisco Mayor London Breed and U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, who was joined by her husband Paul, as well as Bay Area rap legends E-40, Too $hort and Mistah F.A.B.

President Joe Biden’s Administration rolled out the red carpet for the reigning NBA champions who spent about four hours at the White House in their first visit since 2016.

“The Golden State Warriors are always welcomed in this White House,” Biden said on Tuesday.

Warriors star Stephen Curry presented Biden, the nation’s 46th president, with a custom No. 46 Warriors jersey with his name emblazoned on the back. Curry suggested that Biden hang it in the Oval Office and said he’d be back next year to check.

Biden praised the Warriors for their accomplishments.

“Four NBA titles and six Finals in the last eight seasons,” he marveled. “That ain’t bad, man.”

The president also called the team’s Big Three — Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson — “something incredible” and drew parallels between the Warriors’ heart and hustle and that of the country.

“Critics wondered if this team was gone for good as a championship team,” Biden said. “And fellas, I know what it feels like. … But you never gave up, and you always believed.”

Biden also took time to acknowledge coach Steve Kerr, not only for his leadership but also for his fierce advocacy of gun control. That’s a subject particularly close to Kerr’s heart because his father was assassinated at American University of Beirut in Lebanon in 1984.

“It was incredibly flattering to hear the president introduce me and talk about my dad,” said Kerr, who, along with Thompson and Moses Moody, participated in a roundtable on gun violence with White House officials. “That’s one you write down and keep in the family history. Pretty special moment.”

Harris, discussing her “beloved” Warriors, recalled a time she diverted to BART to make sure she wasn’t late for a playoff game in Oakland after getting stuck in traffic.

Curry presented her with another custom jersey — No. 1 for being a top fan. Harris previously received a No. 49 jersey from the team upon becoming the 49th vice president.

“My pride in the Warriors today is not because they win,” Harris said, “but because these players, their coaches and this entire organization consistently stand for the principles of equity, equality and justice, which they do with great integrity and excellence.”

Before the ceremony in the East Room, Curry and Kerr addressed the media in the White House press briefing room. Curry thanked the president for his work in helping bring WNBA star Brittney Griner home from Russia, where she had been incarcerated for 10 months.

“It’s a big part of our basketball family, and it means a lot to know that she’s here and home safe with her family and all the work behind the scenes to make that a reality,” Curry said. “I just want to say thank you there.”

Although this was the Warriors’ fourth title in eight years, this is only the second trip to the White House for Golden State during the run and the first since 2016 when the 2015 title-winning team met with then-President Barack Obama.

The Warriors skipped out on the honorary visit in 2017; President Donald Trump said he never intended to invite them after Curry said the team would not accept. Instead, when the Warriors made their annual trip to play the Wizards, they took a private tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

With Curry and the Warriors back in the NBA Finals the following year, Trump again said he wouldn’t invite the NBA champions to the White House.

The only NFL team to attend a White House ceremony during Trump’s term, the 2017 Patriots, had several players skip the visit, and only one basketball champion — men’s and women’s college hoops, WNBA or NBA — was celebrated at the White House during the Trump era (Baylor women’s basketball in 2019).

“It’s absolutely amazing to be back after seven years,” Green said. “When you’ve accomplished that before and didn’t quite get the opportunity, it sucks. As a kid from Saginaw, Michigan, you only dream of seeing the White House, let alone having an opportunity to attend or be celebrated.”

Kerr said he was “hopeful” the Warriors could earn another trip to the White House, though they still have some glaring issues they need to figure out on the court. But the always confident Green didn’t hesitate to make a declaration.

“It’s been a very great visit,” Green said before he smirked and added, “And looking forward to coming back next year.”

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Golden State Warriors

Warriors return to white house to celebrate 2022 nba championship.

WASHINGTON (KGO) -- President Joe Biden welcomed the Warriors back to the White House to celebrate their 2022 NBA Championship.

VIDEO: Highlights of Warriors NBA Championship Parade 2022 in SF

Their last visit to the White House was in 2016.

They haven't been back since, after then-President Trump withdrew the invitation after Stephen Curry said he wouldn't go.

PHOTOS: 2022 Warriors championship parade in San Francisco

Before the ceremony, Curry and head coach Steve Kerr attended the White House Press Briefing.

Numerous California lawmakers and public figures are there including Speaker Nancy Pelosi, her husband Paul Pelosi, San Francisco Mayor London Breed, and newly elected Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao.

Vice President Kamala Harris and Biden addressed the ongoing storm recovery in California, as the president is making a trip to the state on Thursday.

The Warriors beat the Celtics 4-2 to win the 2022 NBA Finals, sealing their fourth Larry O'Brien Trophy in eight years.

RELATED: Warriors NBA Championship ring features 16 carats of diamonds

If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live

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Sights and sounds from Golden State Warriors' White House visit

There are many honors that come with winning an NBA title -- namely, bragging rights over the rest of the league and some substantial bling. But one of the most notable is a trip to the nation's capital so the team can meet the president of the United States while being welcomed at the White House.

On Tuesday, the 2021-22 NBA champion Golden State Warriors took full advantage of that opportunity. Despite having won the Larry O'Brien Trophy in 2017 and 2018, Stephen Curry & Co. hadn't visited the White House since 2016.

Here are some of the most memorable sights, sounds and moments from the reigning champs' trip to Washington.

2022 NBA Champion @warriors arrive at The @WhiteHouse . 🏆 Watch the full ceremony at 2:45 PM ET on the NBA App: https://t.co/y3YdBxQd9N https://t.co/vbptJRtoYX — NBA (@NBA) January 17, 2023

🏆🏆🏆🏆 We here. pic.twitter.com/1KbG0rHPpY — Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 17, 2023

Stephen Curry and Steve Kerr started this morning's press briefing at the White House with quick statements. Kerr was part of a round table discussion about gun control earlier today, and Curry thanked the Biden admin for bringing Brittney Griner home. pic.twitter.com/7SH5uEevw5 — Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) January 17, 2023

Before presenting President Biden and Vice President Harris with Warriors jersey's Curry, Biden and Harris addressed those gathered. Nancy Pelosi, E-40, as well as other politicians and Bag Area musicians were in attendance. pic.twitter.com/uZVbkA1DKW — Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) January 17, 2023

Presidential. pic.twitter.com/1A4YBUiyvo — Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 17, 2023

J-Wise checking in 🎙 pic.twitter.com/E4U3eQ9w2P — Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 17, 2023

"Dub Nation is in the house!" pic.twitter.com/BUbvmuKCuv — Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 17, 2023

Stephen & The President pic.twitter.com/zYSLUo2ZFh — Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 17, 2023

The 2022 NBA champion Golden State Warriors at the White House. pic.twitter.com/ivsclGhef8 — Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) January 17, 2023

Golden State Warriors visit Joe Biden White House after spurning Donald Trump

President Joe Biden compared his once-slim presidential hopes to the Golden State Warriors’ pursuit of a fourth NBA championship title in eight seasons.

“The last couple of years were pretty tough – struggled in 2020, missed the playoffs in 2021 and critics wondered if this was 'gone for good' as a championship team,” Biden said. “Fellas, I know what it feels like.”

Biden made his comments at the White House on Tuesday, honoring the Warriors for the 2022 title.

It was the first time the Warriors celebrated at the White House since their 2015 title when President Barack Obama was in office. Though the Warriors won titles in 2017 and 2018, they did not visit the White House during President Donald Trump’s years in office.

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“I always love coming to D.C. for a number of reasons,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Monday before playing the Washington Wizards. “I’ve got a lot of family here in town. It’s an amazing place to visit just seeing American history right before your eyes, and to be able to visit the White House is just an incredible honor. We’re thrilled.”

With now five titles as a player and four as a coach, Biden joked Warriors coach Steve Kerr was running out of fingers for championship rings. Biden also praised the Warriors for “speaking out against racism, standing up for equality, encouraging people to vote, empowering children and their families to eat healthy and to learn and to play in safe places, rallying the country against gun violence, and Coach (Kerr), I want to thank you again.”

Vice President Kamala Harris, a native of Oakland, California, made opening remarks and relished in her Warriors fandom. She told a story about trying to get to a Warriors game in congested Bay Area traffic when she was the state’s attorney general. Dismissing the pleas of her security detail, Harris said she got out of the car and took BART, the area’s public transportation rail system.

“We got to the game on time, and yes, the Warriors did win. It was a glorious day,” Harris said.

Longtime California congresswoman Nancy Pelosi was at the White House visit with her husband Paul. Both also attended Golden State's game against the Wizards.

Warriors star Steph Curry presented Biden and Harris with Warriors jerseys and noted the franchise's first championship was in 1946 as the Philadelphia Warriors, referencing Biden as the 46th president. He grew up two hours from Philadelphia.

“I want to thank President Biden and Vice President Harris for the invitation to come here. It’s something that we don’t ever take for granted,” Curry said. “To have this opportunity to reflect on the accomplishment last year to bringing everybody together to celebrate that to also acknowledge the place sports has in bringing people from all walks of life, all backgrounds to provide inspiration, hope, love, togetherness and that’s what   our journey was last year, so to have another opportunity to celebrate that means a lot.”

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Dub Hub, Daily Warriors Links for 1/18/23: Warriors wrap up championship celebration with visit to the White House

Rounding up all the Warriors and NBA news from around the web. 

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Share All sharing options for: Dub Hub, Daily Warriors Links for 1/18/23: Warriors wrap up championship celebration with visit to the White House

Good Morning Dub Nation,

The Golden State Warriors capped off their 2021-22 championship celebration with an official visit to the White House on Tuesday . It was the team’s first visit to the White House since winning the title in 2015, and it’s safe to say they were grateful for the opportunity to return once again.

. @Warriors ' Klay Thompson took a moment to share what it means to celebrate the 2022 NBA championship at the White House. pic.twitter.com/AY25kWdzVO — The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 18, 2023

Stephen Curry and Steve Kerr got things started as honorary guest speakers during the official White House press briefings. Curry and Kerr thanked the current administration for inviting them over while also speaking on topics beyond basketball such as the safe return of Brittney Griner to the United States and the progress of gun legislation in America.

Steph takes the podium before today’s press briefing at the White House pic.twitter.com/0IU1fDsqcN — Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 17, 2023

Steve Kerr explains what the White House visit means to him and the Warriors pic.twitter.com/smPUtbwHLL — Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 17, 2023

The visit culminated with speeches from both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris as the Warriors presented both of them with honorary team jerseys .

"Dub Nation is in the house." Vice President Kamala Harris welcomes the 2022 NBA Champion @warriors to The White House. Watch on the NBA App: https://t.co/y3YdBxQd9N pic.twitter.com/hKn3jb1tSS — NBA (@NBA) January 17, 2023

The Warriors perfectly represented the NBA and all of Dub Nation during their visit to the White House. After the event, Draymond Green spoke to reporters and praised Curry for his presidential disposition while joking about which potential role in office best suits him.

If Steph runs for president, Draymond wants to be the secretary of defense pic.twitter.com/63TTiHQv6S — Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 18, 2023

With the White House visit complete, the Warriors return their focus to the current season. At a record of 22-22, the team looks to get their season back rolling in hopes of repeating their championship success and making a return visit to Washington D.C. next year.

Here are the rest of today’s stories:

In case you missed it from Golden State of Mind:

• Warriors present jerseys to President Biden and VP Harris
• Video: Warriors enter the White House as champions
• Steve Kerr calls Steph Curry the ‘Modern’ Michael Jordan
• The Warriors’ key tactical adjustments against the Wizards
• Podcast: Warriors vs. Wizards

Other Warriors News:

• Warriors return to White House to celebrate 2022 NBA championship (The Athletic)
• 4-Time NBA Champion Steph Curry sits down with Warriors President Bob Myers | Lead by Example (Youtube)
• Joe Lacob offered Warriors-Celtics seats to fans who heckled Draymond Green (NBC Sports Bay Area)
• Draymond Green jokes about ideal political role for post-Warriors career (NBC Sports Bay Area)
• Warriors’ Green set to greet hostile Boston crowd as a champ (ESPN)
• NBA trade deadline: What Shams is hearing about Jakob Poeltl, John Collins, Fred VanVleet and more (The Athletic)
• Kings’ Fox and Sabonis walking the NBA Today crew through their “Pistol 5” action (Twitter)
• Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vučević speak language of basketball (NBC Sports Chicago)
• Raptors have plenty to figure out before trade deadline (Yahoo Sports)
• Paul George returns to lineup in Clippers’ loss to 76ers (ESPN)

Next Up In NBA

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Golden State Warriors Visit Biden White House After Snubbing Donald Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden celebrated the NBA champion Golden State Warriors at the White House on Tuesday as he expressed concern for Californians who have suffered through waves of destructive weather.

“We’re all closely monitoring the storms, the floods, the landslides all across California, and our heart is with all of the families of the communities that are hurting,” he said.

Biden plans to visit the state Thursday, and he has approved disaster assistance for the state.

The Warriors have won four championships in eight years, but they didn’t visit the White House while Donald Trump was president. He made a show of publicly disinviting them after Stephen Curry, the team’s star, said he wasn’t interested in going.

“The Golden State Warriors are always welcome in this White House,” Biden said. He also honored Curry as “one of the great sportsmen of our time.”

He said the Warriors’ “reflect America” with their style of play, showcasing “constant motion, with individual freedom and personality that comes together as one team, a team that plays with joy, with drive to be their best.”

The Warriors beat the Boston Celtics in a six-game championship series last year, a victory that came after a difficult stretch for the team.

Although they won the championship in 2015, 2017 and 2018, their dreams of a dynasty fell apart when key players were injured. The Warriors fell to the bottom of the league.

“The last couple of years were pretty tough,” Biden said. “Critics wondered if this team was gone for good as a championship team.”

Biden has faced his share of doubters over the years, and he joked, “Fellas, I know what it feels like.”

Vice President Kamala Harris , a California native and longtime Warriors fan, spoke first at Tuesday’s ceremony.

“As a very proud daughter of Oakland, California, it gives me immense personal pride as the vice president of the United States to say, Dub Nation is in the house,” she said.

Harris said she has a custom Warriors jersey that she keeps by her treadmill at home, calling it “a symbol of grit, determination and teamwork.”

Along with Biden, Harris got a new jersey from Curry on Tuesday. It had the number 1 — for No. 1 fan, she remarked — and Biden got one with 46, since he’s the 46th president.

Curry said he hopes to see it “on the wall of the Oval Office”

“Hopefully we can come back and check if it’s up there,” he said.

Curry and coach Steve Kerr stopped by the White House briefing room before the ceremony.

Curry thanked the administration for its work to bring home Brittney Griner , the women’s basketball star who had been jailed in Russia on drug charges. He called her a “big part of our basketball family.”

“It means a lot to know that she’s here and home safe with her family,” Curry said.

Kerr said he participated in a roundtable on gun violence with White House officials and two of his players, Moses Moody and Klay Thompson.

“We learned a lot about what this administration is doing to help create a safer environment in our country,” Kerr said.

Biden signed gun legislation last year, but he’s pledged to keep working toward tighter restrictions, including an assault weapons ban.

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The White House Situation Room Got a Much-Needed Makeover: See the Before and After Photos

One of the most important rooms in the world — where presidents dealt with the Cuban Missile Crisis, 9/11 fallout and raid on Osama bin Laden — became $50 million more functional in late 2023

Adam Schultz/The White House via Getty

Months ago, the White House completed its periodic revamp of one of the most important meeting spaces in the world: the Situation Room. Details of the $50 million renovation were made public, revealing a new backdrop where commanders-in-chief will carry out history-making work.

The president's intelligence hub is located on the ground floor of the West Wing — one level beneath the Oval Office. Despite its name, the Situation Room is not actually a single room: it's a basement complex, featuring three secure conference rooms and numerous work stations, where world happenings are monitored, classified briefings occur and the president's top security officials conduct business.

The command center is staffed around the clock by carefully vetted personnel from across the federal government, each of them ready to run intel up the chain in the event of an emerging crisis.

Pete Souza/The White House via Getty

Installed under President John F. Kennedy and modified several times since, the increasingly impressive Situation Room has played host to countless pivotal conversations with global ramifications.

It's where Kennedy managed the Cuban Missile Crisis, Lyndon B. Johnson spent sleepless nights monitoring the Vietnam War, George W. Bush officials dealt with the fallout of 9/11 , Barack Obama carried out the lethal Osama bin Laden raid , and Donald Trump 's chief of staff reportedly fired controversial aide Omarosa Manigault Newman .

Even as it's housed the most sensitive intelligence in the world, the Situation Room hasn't always looked like the glamorous crisis center you'd expect. In several iterations prior to the latest upgrade, it looked remarkably bland and was repeatedly described by White House staffers as uncomfortable.

Here's how the once-modest White House Situation Room has evolved over the years, including what's changed under the Biden administration.

The First Situation Room

Robert Knudsen. White House Photographs. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston

Though the idea of installing a secure communications site in the White House was first proposed to President Dwight D. Eisenhower, it was President John F. Kennedy who made it happen. He felt passionate about the project after the failures of the Bay of Pigs invasion in Cuba were partly attributed to the administration operating on outdated information.

As the Cold War continued to unfold, Kennedy rededicated an old bowling alley in the West Wing to become the new crisis management center. Alternate names that had been floated for the Situation Room included the "Nerve Center" and "Executive Coordination Center," George Stephanopoulos writes in The Situation Room: The Inside Story of Presidents in Crisis .

The inaugural Situation Room was wholly unimpressive by today's standards, but historic nonetheless. With slight upgrades here and there, the space was used by nine sitting presidents, from Kennedy to Bush Jr.

The Reagan Administration

Photo 12/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

In an archival photo from 1985, President Ronald Reagan meets with the National Security Council to discuss the hijacking of TWA Flight 847.

Here, the classic mahogany square paneling is visible on the conference room walls, and the leaders enjoyed newer furnishings than what Kennedy had. Behind Reagan, the curtains are separated to display a poster of the United Kingdom's wartime leader Winston Churchill, including his famous quote, "Let us go forward together."

When the inaugural Situation Room, in service from 1961 to 2006, was removed to make way for a more modern iteration, parts of the original complex were reinstalled in the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library , where it is now used for trainings and education.

The Bush Renovation

AP Photo/Eric Draper, White House

President George W. Bush oversaw the first major Situation Room renovation, when the initial conference room created by Kennedy was removed from the complex, along with other key areas.

In the photo above, Bush holds a March 2006 meeting with his national security team to talk about the latest developments in Iraq. Soon after, the complex underwent a disruptive nine months of construction.

AP Photo/White House, Kimberlee Hewitt

As The Washington Post reported in December 2006, when the Bush-era revamp was half complete, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger once described the Situation Room as "uncomfortable, unaesthetic and essentially oppressive."

The 2006-2007 updates took several years of planning, beginning even before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. To make the space more functional and conducive to housing cutting-edge technologies, the complex was stripped down in its entirety till there were only bricks and bare floors. That also meant removing the antique mahogany walls.

Eric Draper/White House via Getty 

On May 17, 2007, Bush debuted the new Situation Room, which came with ceiling sensors to detect bugged mobile devices, additional secure video areas, a direct feed to Air Force One and new furnishings. The total cost of the project was not disclosed.

Just as Reagan's library inherited some of the original Situation Room structure when it was removed from the White House, Bush's official presidential library received other portions to preserve and use for education.

The Biden Refresh

Adam Schultz/The White House

Due to rapid technological advances and new cybersecurity threats since the Bush-era renovations — plus worn furniture and an outdated aesthetic — the White House Situation Room was ready for upgrades by the time Joe Biden began his presidency.

White House staffers were asked for input on what changes should be made during the project. The Biden administration disclosed that the yearlong remodel, which was completed in September 2023, costed $50 million.

The White House/Carlos Fyfe

On a functionality level, the Situation Room was fitted with new computers and monitors, faster servers, updated lighting, and higher-level audio equipment — including new overhead speakers in the ceiling. Digital clocks on the wall display the time zones of the places being discussed in meetings, as well as the time zone the president is in.

Marc Gustafson, the Situation Room director, told CNN that the design was "a marriage of traditional and modern," returning to the original mahogany aesthetic made from sustainably harvested wood panels. The presidential seal was enlarged at the request of White House photographers, and other top officials' seals can now be swapped in to match the person sitting at the head of the table.

The primary conference room — fitted with large monitors and a table with 13 chairs — is now called the Kennedy Room, in honor of JFK's vision for the complex.

It can better handle classified feeds from a variety of sources, to avoid another issue like what happened during the Osama bin Laden raid, when President Obama and several officials were crammed in a side room to monitor the operation because it's the only place where they could get the video to display. (The Obama library received parts of the Bush-era Situation Room in honor of what he accomplished there.)

When a future president inherits the next Situation Room refresh, they will have an easier time getting it done, thanks to the modular wall design that offers easier access to the equipment within. And until then, national security officials can enjoy a fully functioning space that looks straight from the movies.

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What's the best state for you », what kenya’s president can expect at tonight’s state dinner.

The Bidens are hosting the first state dinner for an African leader since 2008. On the menu: lobster, and maybe a little talk of trade and security.

The White House Hosts Kenya

Susan Walsh

President Joe Biden salutes as first lady Jill Biden, Kenya's President William Ruto and Kenya's first lady Rachel Ruto wave from the White House balcony on Thursday, in Washington.

Key Takeaways

• This is the first state visit by an African leader since 2008.
• The Howard Gospel Choir and Brad Paisley will perform, an ode to the Rutos' love of gospel and country music.
• The visit comes as the U.S. loses military footing in Africa and amid growing Russian and Chinese influence on the continent.

Kenyan President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto will join President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden Thursday for an elegant White House state dinner celebrating the relationship between the U.S. and Kenya while marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The Rutos arrived Wednesday for the three-day visit , the first state visit by an African leader since 2008, and the sixth state dinner hosted by the Bidens. Prior to the formal fête, Biden and Ruto are expected to discuss ways to bolster cooperation in trade, technological innovation, climate and clean energy and security.

The White House also intends to designate the East African nation as a major non-NATO ally , a designation granted to “countries with close and strategic working relationships with the U.S. military and defense civilians.” The designation, the first of its kind for a sub-Saharan Africa country, doesn't entail any security commitments to Kenya.

Notably, the visit precedes the arrival of a Kenyan-led international anti-gang force that is set to arrive in Haiti any day. Kenya has agreed to send 1,000 police officers to the violence-plagued island nation in a U.N.-approved mission that is largely U.S.-funded.

The visit comes as the U.S. loses military footing in Africa, a trend which worries experts concerned about growing Russian and Chinese influence on the continent. On Sunday, the Department of Defense announced it would withdraw U.S. troops and equipment from Niger by September 15 – at the order of Niger’s military junta, and there has also been talk of pulling U.S. forces out of Chad . Both countries have played a key role in U.S. efforts to combat violent extremist organizations across the Sahel region

“We believe this is a significant visit,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a press briefing. “We sought out a state visit not only to recognize the strategic importance of our partnership with Kenya but also to forge new paths ahead as we tackle common global priorities.”

First Lady Jill Biden, her staff and the State Department begin planning for state dinners – which include invitations, menus, decor, seating arrangements and entertainment – six months in advance. White House chefs take into consideration food allergies, feelings toward alcohol and cultural significance when creating the fare.

Here are the details for Kenya’s state dinner:

The Decor 

Jill Biden said the formal event will be an “elegant dinner under the stars, in a pavilion made almost entirely of glass, looking up at our one sky.” The room will be filled with over a thousand candles, warm pinks and reds, and views of the Washington Monument.

The candlelight will reflect off glass walls, mirrored table tops, gold flatware and plates with golden rims. Featured flowers will include roses and orchids, representing the U.S. and Kenya, and peonies and ranunculus, a favorite of the first lady.

“As guests leave, their path illuminated by our one moon, I hope they will be filled with that same warmth I felt on my visits to Kenya – that of a friendship that will endure, helping create a shining and prosperous tomorrow,” said Jill Biden.

Joe Biden Behind The Scenes

The Menu 

In a nod to summer flavors, White House executive chefs Cris Comerford and Susie Morrison said guests will start with a green, chilled tomato soup made with vidalia onions, cucumbers, and drizzled with olive oil and white balsamic.

“It is very reminiscent of what the summer is supposed to be,” Comerford said. “Because Monday is Memorial Day, we’re welcoming the beginning of summer.”

The main dish will feature lobster poached in butter, and marinated, lightly smoked short ribs on a bed of kale and roasted corn. It will be served with roasted turnips, sweet potatoes and squash.

For dessert, guests will get a handmade white chocolate basket filled with nectarine paste and a banana ganache with raspberries and peaches on top. The basket will be surrounded by fresh berries and adorned with each country's flag.

The Entertainment

The night’s entertainment will feature the Howard Gospel Choir and country musician Brad Paisley, an ode to the Ruto's love of gospel and country music.

A Brief History of State Dinners

The White House Historical Association described state dinners as “the grandest and most glamorous of White House affairs.” President Ulysses S. Grant served the first state dinner in 1874 when he hosted the last king of Hawaii, David Kalākaua, to work on a trade tariff. Since then, presidents have hosted more than 300 of the diplomatic dinners, though not all were at the White House.

President Ronald Reagan hosted the most state dinners, 59 over his two terms in office. More recently, Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush each hosted 13 over their respective two terms in office. President Donald Trump in four years held just two of the events – a low among modern presidents. But the total doesn’t always correspond to the length of a president’s tenure. President Gerald Ford in a little more than two years from August 1974 to December 1976 hosted 33 state dinners – including four in May 1975 alone – during less than one term in the White House.

The State Department credits President Jimmy Carter with one of the most historically significant state dinners. He hosted the leaders of Israel and Egypt after they signed a peace treaty in 1979. With 1,340 guests, it was the largest sit-down dinner in White House history at the time.

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Kansas City Chiefs News

Chiefs to visit White House to celebrate Super Bowl LVIII win with President Joe Biden

The Kansas City Chiefs are heading to Washington D.C. to visit the White House and celebrate their Super Bowl LVIII victory over the San Francisco 49ers with President Joe Biden. 

The Chiefs have been invited to return to the White House on Friday, May 31st, and have graciously accepted the invitation. The White House announced the invitation via press release on Friday morning. 

Last year, when the Chiefs visited the White House in June, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce presented President Biden with a No. 46 jersey. It signified his tenure as the 46th President of the United States of America. Mahomes also presented Biden with a signed and inscribed football. 

Kelce, of course, had an unforgettable moment where he hijacked the microphone on stage before Mahomes promptly cut him off and apologized. 

Travis Kelce wanted to get on the mic at the White House.... Patrick Mahomes got him outta there pic.twitter.com/gsCi1ygsnd — Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 5, 2023

This is only the second time the Chiefs have ever participated in the time-honored tradition of Super Bowl-winning teams visiting the White House, despite having won four Lombardi Trophies in the franchise's illustrious history. The team attended last year following Super Bowl LVII's win over the Philadelphia Eagles , however, they didn't attend for either of their two prior Super Bowl wins.

In 2019-20 following Super Bowl LIV's win over the 49ers, the Chiefs didn't make a trip due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The White House was locked down and not taking any visitors due to the pandemic. The Super Bowl IV team in 1969-70 did not visit the White House, but Chiefs QB Len Dawson did take a call from then-President Richard Nixon.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500

FACT SHEET: Kenya State Visit to the United   States

Today, President Biden welcomes President Ruto of Kenya for a State Visit and Dinner to celebrate and deepen ties between our two nations.  This visit marks 60 years of official U.S.-Kenya partnership.  This partnership is founded on shared values, deep cooperation, and a common vision for the future.  The two leaders’ agenda showcases how our ties deliver tangible benefits to the people of our nations in areas including Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance; Health Partnerships; People-to-People Ties; Shared Climate Solutions; Trade and Investment; Debt, Development, and Sustainable Finance; Digital, Critical, and Emerging Technology Cooperation; and Peace and Security Cooperation.

Democracy, Governance, and Human Rights

Our countries are bonded by our shared democratic values and mutual commitment to advancing human rights and strengthening political institutions.  This historic State Visit is about the Kenyan and American people and their hopes for an inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future for all.  Our countries endeavor to guard against the erosion of political checks and balances, counter misinformation and disinformation, mitigate hate-fueled violence targeting members of vulnerable communities, and tackle corruption by building transparent and accountable governance systems.  The State Visit highlights new areas of cooperation to safeguard rights and freedoms in the face of rising authoritarianism, expand avenues for dialogue, and elevate our shared global commitment to protecting democracy.

• Delivering Democracy:  The United States has programed nearly $40 million for democracy, human rights, and governance programming in Kenya, including through Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal programs that defend democratic elections and political processes, increase women’s political participation and leadership, counter Gender Based Violence, and advance digital democracy.  Additional support for activities in Kenya under the Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal build on Kenya’s important work as a member of the 14-country Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse, which is advancing global policies to address online safety for women and girls, including targeted violence against women political and public figures. 
• Supporting Independent Civil Society:   President Ruto executed on May 9 the legal instruments required to operationalize the 2013 Public Benefits Organization Act, which institutionalizes groundbreaking, global best practices for civil society protections.  The United States announced $700,000 in new assistance to support this effort in addition to the $2.7 million the United States is providing to improve civil society engagement in and oversight of governance processes.  The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) also announced an additional $1.3 million youth empowerment program aimed at strengthening political engagement at the subnational level and $600,000 to advance disability inclusion.
• Bringing Transparency to Government:  The United States and Kenya commit to strengthening the Open Government Partnership (OGP), which Kenya co-leads and the United States co-founded, including through robustly fulfilling our open government commitments at home.  USAID Administrator Power plans to represent the United States at the OGP event on the margins of the UN General Assembly High Level Week in September.  This event gathers world leaders for an opportunity to showcase the powerful global coalition on open government and democracy and to consider opportunities for further collaboration. 
• Promoting Human Rights:   The United States and Kenya affirm their commitment to upholding the human rights of all.  Together they stand with people around the world defending their rights against the forces of autocracy.  Kenya and the United States commit to bilateral dialogues that reinforce commitments to human rights, as well as a series of security and human rights technical engagements with counterparts in the Kenyan military, police, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs aimed at strengthening collaboration on security sector governance, atrocity prevention, and Women, Peace and Security in Kenya and regionally.
• Combatting Corruption:   The Administration intends to provide $500,000 for a new Fiscal Integrity Program to make county budget processes more transparent and inclusive and increase citizen engagement, and $500,000 to broaden the reach and effectiveness of anti-corruption advocacy by empowering civil society actors to create and disseminate multimedia content that engages citizens and mobilizes action against corruption.  To support the Government of Kenya to combat corruption, the Administration is providing $250,000 through the Global Accountability Program, and $300,000 to support Kenya’s proposed Whistleblower Protection law to strengthen Kenya’s anti-corruption legal architecture.  In addition, USAID has provided $2.7 million to support the improved enforcement of policy and laws that deal with fraud, waste, and abuse in the delivery of public services to Kenyan citizens. 
• Gathering Anti-Corruption Professionals:   With support from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and the East African Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities convened a regional conference from May 20-23, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya, gathering anti-corruption practitioners and policymakers from countries participating in the East Africa Anti-Corruption Platform. 
• Strengthening Police Reform Efforts:   Building on a longstanding partnership to further police capacity building and reform efforts, the United States and Kenya announced a new $7 million partnership to advance and strengthen the modernization and professionalization of Kenya’s National Police Service, with a focus on staff and training development.
• Reducing Prison Overcrowding and Improving Detention Conditions:   The United States and Kenya are committed to further advancing Kenyan-led efforts to improve the oversight of and conditions within Kenya’s prison service.  The United States announced a new $2.2 million initiative to provide training, mentoring, and technical assistance to implement priority reforms.
• Combatting Transnational Organized Crime and Supporting Criminal Justice Sector Reform:   Recognizing the regional role Kenya plays in combating transnational organized crime, the United States intends to provide $4.9 million in new funding for Kenya and other East African countries to improve cooperation and coordination in combating criminal networks and holding criminals accountable.  Funding also supports capacity building and reform efforts within the Kenyan police and justice sectors.
• Supporting Investigative Journalism:   The United States seeks to amplify Kenya’s leadership in building Africa’s digital resilience by supporting linkages between well-known international investigative organizations and select Kenyan NGOs, media outlets, and citizen journalists to build up Nairobi as a regional hub for exposing issues in the public interest.  This support also helps journalists in their pursuit of public information.  Pursuing these efforts in Kenya – a regional media and technology leader – positively impacts East Africa and the broader continent, particularly as Kenyan recipients connect with counterparts in the region.
• Strengthening Kenya’s Frameworks for Free and Fair Elections:   Working with Congress, the Administration intends to provide $1.5 million in new technical assistance to support Kenya’s electoral legal framework reform process aimed at strengthening the election commission, political parties, and campaign finance.  This funding aims to improve public awareness raising and advocacy around the reforms, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive, transparent and peaceful 2027 election.  This support complements Kenya’s amendment to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act, which passed the National Assembly on May 3 and is now with the Senate.

Health Partnership:  Securing Our Collective Health

Decades of collaboration between the United States and Kenya in the health sector have resulted in tremendous improvements in health not only for millions of our citizens, but also for the broader global community.  This cooperation is vital to developing medical innovations, preventing the emergence of future global pandemics, and ensuring that effective treatments are widely available.  Our governments are working in lockstep with the private sector, which is developing new manufacturing capacity in Kenya that can serve Africa and the world.  The efforts showcased during the State Visit build upon these successes to ensure a healthier, more prosperous future for all.

• Continuing the Fight against HIV/AIDS:   The United States and Kenya are developing a “Sustainability Roadmap” to integrate HIV service delivery into primary health care, ensuring quality and impact are retained.  With more than $7 billion in support from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) spanning two decades, Kenya has successfully responded to the HIV epidemic and strives to end HIV as a public health threat in Kenya by 2027.  These efforts improve holistic health services for the 1.3 million Kenyans currently receiving antiretroviral therapy and millions more benefiting from HIV prevention programs, while allowing for greater domestic resources to be put toward the HIV response, allowing PEFPAR support to decrease over time.
• Partnering for Global Health Security:   Kenya and the United States announced a formal proclamation between the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Government of Kenya for sharing information, identifying best practices, and defining steps toward the development and full launch of the Kenyan National Public Health Institute.  As a gateway to East Africa through Port Mombasa, Kenya’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats is critical.  To support our health partnership, Kenya and the United States plan to develop and launch a customized Public Health Emergency Management training program to enhance health security across all 47 counties in Kenya. 
• Reducing the Impacts of Malaria:   Through the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), the United States contributed $33.5 million in 2023 to fight malaria in Kenya, providing vital financial and technical assistance to the Government of Kenya.  The United States supports resilient health systems to deliver care by training health workers, strengthening supply chains, improving data monitoring, and reinforcing national health policies and guidelines.  These investments have contributed to a 50% reduction in malaria prevalence over the last decade.  In support the Government of Kenya’s localization goals, PMI is expanding its procurement of pharmaceutical supplies from Kenyan manufacturers and intends to procure up to an additional 5 million malaria treatments and 475,000 preventive treatment doses from Kenyan producers in 2024.
• Growing Health Manufacturing:   Kenya committed to working with lawmakers to advance the Kenyan Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) Act, a necessary step to boost local manufacturing of medical products and expand private American investment in the sector.  Securing and diversifying global supply chains by promoting local and regional manufacturing of health products is a priority of the United States.  The implementation of the PPB Act has the potential to increase manufacturing capacity in Kenya and Africa to ensure the availability of life-saving medicines, diagnostic tests, and devices.  This should also mitigate the impact of global supply chain shocks, which were so evident during the COVID-19 pandemic.  To further these goals, USAID provided $2.3 million in support to Revital Healthcare to develop rapid diagnostic tests for HIV, malaria, hepatitis B and C, dengue, and pregnancy, and to build a manufacturing plant capable of producing 240 million tests per year.  Additionally, USAID and the Kenyan Ministry of Health are partnering to equip all neonatal clinics with Revital-made continuous positive airway pressure machines for babies requiring respiratory support.
• Partnering with the Private Sector in Healthcare:   The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is investing in Kenya’s vibrant private sector by making a $10 million direct loan to Kenyan company Hewa Tele, which provides an affordable and regular supply of medical oxygen to healthcare facilities in Africa, and two rounds of equity investment totaling $4 million to Kasha Global, a Kenya-based e-commerce company that provides personal care, health care, and beauty products to low-income women in Kenya and Rwanda.
• Expanding Joint Research:   Kenya and the United States recommitted to our long-standing partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the CDC and the Kenyan Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) to support Kenya’s Applied Science Hub, building on 45 years of research partnership on malaria, HIV, tuberculosis, vaccine-preventable diseases, maternal and child health, emerging infectious diseases, and COVID-19.  The research in the Applied Sciences Hub aims to expand surveillance, answer critical public health questions, and introduce novel diagnostic methods, including advanced molecular and serology-based methods, and training in public health laboratory core competencies.  This year, the United States provided an estimated $12.9 million to support research efforts by KEMRI through CDC, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Department of Defense.  In FY 2023 NIH supported over 250 grants to U.S. organizations that collaborated with Kenyan organizations, covering a wide range of relevant biomedical research topics, and approximately 90 of these collaborations include researchers at KEMRI.
• Meeting Kenya’s Digital Health Goals:   The United States announced over $31 million to advance Kenya’s efforts to set up a digital superhighway to enable a holistic view of health care delivery.  The United States has worked closely with the Kenyan Ministry of Health to build and deploy digital health solutions to support disease programs and improve the ability to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats.  This includes $4 million through USAID Power Africa’s Health Electrification and Telecommunications Alliance to support solar power solutions for health facilities and activities to strengthen community and facility information systems to improve patient care and expand access to emergency medical services for mothers and newborns.  Additionally, the NIH Harnessing Data Science for Health Discovery and Innovation in Africa (DS-I Africa) program focuses on facilitating the use of data science to impact health outcomes in Africa and supports a data hub and training and educational development programs in Kenya.

People-to-People Ties:  Improving and Enriching Lives  

The American and Kenyan people have deep ties that go far beyond the 60 years of official cooperation between our governments.  These relationships – rooted in family, friendship, and community – improve and enrich our lives.  They drive our cooperation, underpin our shared values, and elevate our aspirations.  The benefits of these ties are particularly evident in our cooperation in educating the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries.  The State Visit builds on this fundamental strength, catalyzing stronger partnerships through a series of groundbreaking education and exchange programs. 

• Strengthening Connections Between U.S. and Kenyan Educational Institutions: 
• Kennedy-Mboya Partnerships:   As the United States and Kenya celebrate 60 years of bilateral relations, and recalling the positive and enduring impact of the Kennedy-era student airlift, the newly announced Kennedy-Mboya Partnerships support a new scholarship program that promotes intellectual, academic, and innovative exchange.  The Administration intends to provide $3.3 million for a U.S. Department of State program for sixty Kenyan undergraduate students to study for a semester in the United States, with a focus on STEM.  This program supports the development and success of the next generation of Kenyan scientists, researchers, and engineers.
• Partnership 2024 :  The Administration intends to provide $500,000 for Partnership 2024 to support the development of Kenyan students, scientists, researchers, and engineers by encouraging U.S. universities to increase investment in relationships with Kenyan universities and research institutions.  Faculty and research collaboration are planned to bolster the program, supported by Fulbright Specialists to provide additional expertise.
• EDTECH Africa:   The Governments of Kenya and the United States, in collaboration with Microsoft, Mastercard’s Center for Inclusive Growth, Howard University, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, and Morehouse College announced the establishment of EDTECH Africa.  This initiative serves as an emerging technology bridge between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and African scholars, aimed at cultivating educational exchanges in the ever-evolving landscape of emerging technology.  This initiative expands Mastercard’s existing investment of $6.5 million for the Atlanta University Center Consortium Data Science Initiative and $5 million for Howard University’s Center for Applied Data Science and Analytics, actively involving African scholars with HBCU students and faculty in the journey toward greater proficiency as data scientists.  Microsoft will invest an additional $500,000 to support HBCU and Kenyan students engaged in research at the Microsoft Africa Research Institute (MARI) in Nairobi, Kenya, complementing its recent contribution of $350,000 for the Atlanta University Center Consortium Data Science Initiative to establish a network of data science faculty across HBCUs.  USAID intends to invest $850,000 to facilitate this partnership between HBCUs and Kenyan universities.
• National Science Foundation (NSF) International Activities :  NSF has committed to offering workshops, planning grants, or supplements to U.S. universities to strengthen connections between U.S. and Kenyan universities, jointly identify research foci, and facilitate collaboration in research, education, and workforce development.
• Employment Pathways for Youth :  USAID announced $6.5 million to support a partnership between Edison State Community College in Piqua, Ohio, and Kenya’s United States International University of Africa to strengthen up to 40 Kenyan technical vocational education and training institutions in the high-growth sectors of information and communications technology (ICT) and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and textiles.
• Framework for Cooperation:   The United States and Kenya signed a Framework for Cooperation to support higher education partnerships for STEM education.  The Framework describes U.S. and Kenyan priorities and is accompanied by a commitment from Microsoft, Micron, Mastercard, and several U.S. and Kenyan universities expressing their support for STEM education.  The Framework fosters higher education partnerships and commitments to partner private sector stakeholders, Kenyan institutions, and U.S. institutions to build mutual capacity in information and computer technology, microchip manufacturing, and other STEM-related education and career opportunities.
• Collaboration with the National Museums of Kenya:  The Smithsonian Institution announced a $150,000 project funded by the U.S. Department of State to assess opportunities, challenges, and possible enhancements to support the National Museums of Kenya continued evolution as a leader in cultural and natural heritage preservation.  Smithsonian officials plan to work collaboratively to identify possible areas for enhancement and growth, including facilities, collections care and conservation, curation, digital infrastructure, exhibitions, and research programs.
• Supporting Primary Education:  USAID intends to provide $24.5 million for the Kenya Primary Literacy Program (KPLP), a new nationwide early grade literacy activity implemented in close partnership with Kenya’s Ministry of Education.  KPLP programs are delivered in English and Kiswahili to all public primary schools and select private schools.  KPLP expands new innovations to address literacy needs of grade 1-3 learners while building more inclusive, accountable, and resilient education institutions and systems. 
• Bolstering Kenya’s Creative Workforce:  The United States and Kenya announced new initiatives and programs to strengthen the creative economies between our two countries.  In partnership with the Recording Academy, the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, and other leading private sector and civil society institutions, the United States envisions new programs to promote collaboration, build capacity, and bolster professional creative industry ecosystems.  We seek to assist emerging leaders in television, film, and music to learn new skills, build networks, and participate in international festivals.  The two countries also promote cultural heritage and tourism by supporting the preservation of the archaeological site of Takwa through the prestigious U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation.
• Expanding Emerging Technology Training Program:  The Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies intends to launch a new fellowship program this fall, funded in part by Meta, bringing together high-achieving mid-career government officials from select African countries.  This program equips the next generation of leaders across the continent with the policy and technical expertise needed to help their governments translate the digital transformations underway – including in AI and other emerging technologies – into broadly shared growth for their societies.  In recognition of the technology sector leadership demonstrated by both the Kenyan public and private sector, Kenya is the first country to be added the inaugural fellowship cohort.
• Increasing Diplomatic Exchange:   The United States Foreign Service Institute and the Kenyan Foreign Service Academy plan consultations with the intention of enhancing cooperation and further exchanges between the two institutions.  Sharing a mutual interest in promoting best practices for the training of diplomats, the United States and Kenya commit to exploring Kenya’s participation in an emerging international community of practice for diplomatic training. 
• Strengthening U.S.-Kenya Research Ties with Kenya’s Health Workforce:   The Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) Kenya is a partnership between Moi University, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, and the AMPATH Consortium of global universities around the world led by Indiana University.  With $20.7 million in annual funding from USAID, these partners are reaching 120,000 Kenyans on life saving antiretroviral treatment.  Through AMPATH, the universities commit to continuing the education of healthcare providers, medical students, residents, and community health workers.
• Increasing Consular Capacity:   The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi expanded the number of staff working in the Consular Section to expedite the review and issuance of visas for travel of Kenyan citizens to the United States.  The Consular Section issues visas for students, tourists, businesspeople, and workers, and also processes visas to reunite families.  At the same time, our Consular Section provides services to American citizens living in or visiting Kenya.  These people-to-people links are the bedrock of our bilateral relationship.

Shared Climate Solutions:  Fostering Growth and Resilience  

President Biden and President Ruto have a shared climate vision as not just an existential challenge of our time, but as the most significant economic opportunity of the 21 st century.  It is a generational opportunity for Africa to become a leader in the global clean energy economy.  Closer partnership is generating greater advances in clean energy supply chains, mobilizing climate-related investment, sustainable agriculture, adaptation, and resilience.

• Launching the U.S.-Kenya Climate and Clean Energy Industrial Partnership:   During the State Visit, we announced the launch of a U.S.-Kenya Climate and Clean Energy Industrial Partnership to elevate climate action and green industrialization as a critical pillar of our bilateral relationship.  We also signaled our intent to implement a new green growth framework throughout Africa.  Through this partnership, the United States and Kenya prioritize cooperation across the three, mutually-supportive areas of clean energy deployment, clean energy supply chains, and green industrialization.  To support these activities under the Partnership, the United States and Kenya intend to work with international financial institutions and multilateral trust funds to identify mechanisms to mobilize investment for clean energy manufacturing and services.  The two sides intend to strategically leverage concessional finance and risk mitigation tools at the multilateral development banks and climate funds to lower the cost of capital for clean energy deployment and supply chains in Kenya and the region, including a portion of the $568 million in catalytic finance that the United States provided to the Clean Technology Fund in 2023.
• Humanitarian Disaster Response:  To date in FY 2024, USAID has provided $42 million in emergency humanitarian assistance to Kenya.  Including this assistance, USAID’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance has provided nearly $1.3 billion over the last 12 years to respond to humanitarian needs in Kenya, including those caused by natural disasters.
• Connecting Homes, Businesses, and Institutions to Reliable Clean Energy:  USAID, through the Power Africa Initiative, announced $300,000 to support women’s entrepreneurship and gender-equity in the Kenyan energy sector and committed $3.6 million in to support the accelerated connection of more homes, businesses, and institutions in Kenya to cleaner electricity as part of its Empowering East and Central Africa program.  In addition, Power Africa inter-agency partners, including the U.S. Department of Energy, DFC, and USTDA, announced key deliverables that, in partnership with the Government of Kenya, advance Power Africa’s mandate to alleviate energy poverty.
• Investing in Hydropower :  Virunga Power, a U.S. company and Power Africa partner, announced a pipeline of six run-of-river hydropower projects in advanced stages of development in Kenya.  With a total expected investment of $100 million, the hydropower projects will be constructed in sequence over the next five years and are expected to provide 31 megawatts of clean, baseload renewable energy.  The power generated should improve the stability of Kenya Power’s distribution network in Western and Central Kenya and enable new connectivity and industrial and economic growth in rural areas of the country.
• Deepening Government-to-Government Cooperation on Clean Energy and Carbon Management:  The U.S. Department of Energy and Kenyan Ministry of Energy announced their intent to sign a MOU in June in Nairobi intended to enhance bilateral collaboration and partnership in the development of clean energy, carbon management technologies, and decarbonization strategies.  This MOU establishes a framework to facilitate the sharing of technical knowledge, advice, skills, and expertise across numerous sectors – including geothermal energy development and industrial decarbonization.  The framework forms the basis of sustainable and climate-adaptive economic growth across our countries and regions.
• Investing in Electric Vehicle Startups:   DFC announced a $10 million direct loan to BasiGo, an electric vehicle company that leases and sells electric buses to public transport bus operators in Kenya.  The loan facilitates procurement of buses and batteries for sale in Kenya and is a key e-mobility project supporting Kenya’s ambitious climate goals.  Additionally, DFC announced a $10 million loan to Kenyan company Roam Electric that supports its assembly and production of electric motorcycles on-site in its Nairobi production facility.  The U.S. Department of State also announced $100,000 for technical assistance to support accelerating the transition to zero-emissions vehicles in Kenya, including through policy development and implementation, capacity building and peer-to-peer learning, and workforce development.
• Growing Kenya’s E-mobility Sector:   DFC recently announced a $10 million loan to Mogo Auto Kenya to support affordable financing for cars, motorcycle taxis, and logbook loans in Kenya.  The transaction supports President Ruto’s Africa Green Industrialization Initiative, building upon DFC’s longstanding support for the e-mobility economy in Kenya.
• Launching the MCC-Kenya Urban Mobility and Growth Threshold Program:   The United States and Kenya are scheduled to launch a seminal partnership to deliver a more connected, mobile, and green Nairobi.  The $60 million grant from the Millennium Challenge Corporation funds a four-year program focusing on the transportation needs of underserved groups, safer options for women and pedestrians, and climate-friendly public transportation, generating benefits for over four million residents and increasing urban mobility while decreasing transportation sector emissions.
• Increasing Plastic Recycling:   USAID recently expanded its support for the Kenyan recycling company T3, now totaling over $2 million.  T3 plans to leverage nearly $13 million in additional private investment to expand plastic collection and acquire a “bottle-to-bottle” processing line, the first in Kenya.  The line enables production of food grade recycled PET resin and is projected to more than double the amount of PET plastic recycled in Kenya.  The T3 initiative is projected to create 200 jobs and indirect economic opportunities for approximately 8,000 collectors, mainly women and youth.
• Supporting Community-Led Conservation:  The Southern Kenya Conservation Project (SOK) and the Kenya Rhino Range Expansion Project (KRRE) are building partnerships for the conservation of the southern Kenya landscape and the expansion of rhino range in Kenya.  The partnerships aim to raise significant funds to increase wildlife numbers, restore landscapes, open up wildlife corridors, and spur economic opportunity. USAID is providing $300,000 to develop landscape and fundraising strategies to help Kenya leverage funds and access financing for both projects.  SOK and KRRE will help Kenya build climate resilience and achieve their 30×30 goal of conserving 30 percent of their land and oceans by 2030.
• Promoting Wildlife Conservation:  To assist the Government of Kenya with combatting wildlife trafficking and other nature crimes, the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of the Interior have collaborated to station a permanent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, strengthening the longstanding wildlife conservation partnership between our two countries.  This position was designed to assist with law enforcement coordination and consultation, facilitation of intelligence sharing and investigative support, and access to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service forensic and technical support resources. 
• Amplifying Scientific Partnership:   The United States welcomes Kenya’s leadership in hosting the upcoming Smithsonian’s ForestGEO international analytical gathering in Nanyuki, Kenya, co-hosted by the Mpala Research Centre, the National Museums of Kenya, and the Karatina University, from June 29 to July 13, 2024.  The Smithsonian ForestGEO network studies the diversity and dynamics of forests, the forest carbon cycle, and the impact of climate and global change on forest biodiversity and function.
• Improving Weather Forecasting:   DFC recently announced a $1 million loan to Ignitia AB, a tropical weather forecasting service designed for smallholder farmers in Kenya, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  This loan was part of the Africa Small Business Catalyst program in partnership with the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) and USAID.
• Fostering High-Integrity Carbon Markets:   The United States and Kenya established a partnership to support Kenya’s efforts to be a global leader in delivering high-integrity and high-quality carbon credits.  In support of this partnership, the U.S. State Department and USAID announced $1 million in targeted technical assistance and analytical capabilities to support development of Kenya’s framework for high-integrity carbon markets and to strengthen Kenya’s ability to engage in related transactions.
• Investing in Carbon Capture:  The U.S. Department of Energy, through Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, announced a one-year project to accelerate the commercial readiness of carbon dioxide (CO2) removal approaches that leverage the reactive CO2 mineralization storage potential in Kenya’s volcanic-hosted geothermal systems.  The project aims to develop and implement a characterization protocol to evaluate potential strategic basalt CO2 storage sites through a knowledge exchange process; parametrize a static geologic model to facilitate evaluation of CO2 injection and mineralization storage strategies; and establish the institutional foundation for sustained Kenyan collaboration within the international mineralization storage research and development community.
• Announcing New Scientific Collaboration:  The Smithsonian Institution announced a new research fellowship program in Kenya, funded by education entrepreneurs Dennis and Connie Keller, to build capacity, train, and exchange knowledge.  Alongside Smithsonian scientists, Kenyan Shared Health Science Fellows study impacts of changes in climate, pollution, stressors, and toxicants on wellbeing, health, and physiology in humans, plants, animals, and our shared environment.  Over the next four years, the program aims to provide six fellows with two years of training at the Mpala Research Centre and spend time at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
• Deepening U.S.-Africa Nuclear Industry Cooperation:  The U.S. Department of Energy, in partnership with Kenya and Ghana, plans to host the second installment of the U.S.-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit (USANES) on Industry Readiness in Nairobi, Kenya in August 2024.  Recognizing the historic relationship between the United States and Kenya, USANES 2024 envisions U.S. and African policymakers, technical experts, and industry leaders convening in Nairobi to address critical issues impacting industry readiness and the future of nuclear energy on the African continent.  The Summit comprises educational workshops, stakeholder engagement sessions, and multilateral discussions on topics from financing and workforce development to supply chain preparedness.  The Summit aims to underscore the opportunities nuclear power presents to reach Net Zero by 2050 and further strengthen the robust ties between the United States and Kenya. 

Trade and Investment:  Generating Prosperity   

The trade and investment partnership between the United States and Kenya is driving our shared prosperity, generating well-paying jobs, expanding economic growth, protecting the rights of workers, and spurring new innovations with global benefits.  This partnership spans the full spectrum of large to small businesses.  Both countries are partnering with the private sector to further strengthen these economic ties, including in the critical areas of clean energy technology, agriculture, and affordable housing.

• Advancing a U.S.-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership:   The U.S. and Kenya have made significant progress on the U.S.-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP) .  We are negotiating high standard commitments in a range of areas with a view to increase investment; promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth; benefit workers, consumers, and businesses (including micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises); and support African regional economic integration.  The U.S. Trade Representative and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade, and Industry committed in May to work towards concluding an agreement by the end of 2024.
• Signing a U.S.-Kenya Commercial and Investment Partnership:  The United States and Kenya intend to sign a Commercial and Investment Partnership, affirming a mutual commitment to deepening commercial and investment ties between our two countries.  This Partnership, with robust participation from the private sector, aims to promote a strong business-enabling environment and to facilitate trade and investment opportunities in Kenya focused on key priority sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, and the digital economy.
• Opening a DFC Nairobi Office:  DFC announced it plans to open an office in Nairobi, playing a key role in driving DFC’s pipeline development across key sectors in Kenya such as agriculture, health, e-mobility, energy, infrastructure, and financial inclusion, including on-lending to small and medium sized enterprises and women entrepreneurs.
• Establishing A Framework Agreement with Coca-Cola:   In Atlanta, President Ruto visited Coca-Cola HQ to sign a framework agreement focused on policy engagement, mango juice production, and plastic recycling.  His visit also celebrated 70 years of Coca-Cola in Kenya, along with the company’s partnership on drought response and clean water, use of its supply chains to distribute COVID vaccines and protective equipment, and a new $175 million investment in its economy.
• Reaping Benefits from AGOA:   Vivo Fashion, a leading Kenyan women’s fashion brand in East Africa, announced the opening of its first retail storefront in the United States in Atlanta, Georgia.  Vivo Fashion is part of a growing Kenyan apparel industry that benefits from market access to the United States under AGOA, the largest single component of U.S. trade with Kenya.
• Improving Food Security through Jobs:   USAID is investing in the future with $15 million for new activities designed to reduce poverty and malnutrition and address global food security by expanding investment opportunities.  By creating over 50,000 new jobs, catalyzing over $200 million in new agricultural sales, and mobilizing over $200 million in new finance for agriculture, these activities improve food security and nutrition outcomes for over 800,000 Kenyans.
• Investing in Kenyan Businesses:
• Acorn Green Housing Project:  DFC recently approved an approximately $180 million loan to Acorn, a real estate developer that constructs and operates affordable student housing in Kenya.  The DFC investment is expected to catalyze an additional $360 million in local Kenyan investment in one of the largest green housing portfolios in Africa. With early-stage support from USAID and Prosper Africa and financing from DFC, this transaction is designed to address a critical need and is a strong example of the power of whole of U.S.-government support to the private sector as it pursues projects with an emphasis on development impact that delivers for the people of Kenya.
• Pezesha Africa Limited:   DFC announced a $500,000 technical assistance grant to build a proprietary credit scoring model to improve Kenyan company Pezesha Africa Limited’s underwriting capabilities for small and medium sized enterprise clients.  Pezesha is a capital enablement lending infrastructure platform focused on increasing access to finance for retail trade micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises by integrating financial services into existing supply chain verticals.
• Keep IT Cool:   DFC recently announced a $500,000 loan to Kenyan-based Keep IT Cool, a business-to-business aggregation and sales platform to connect fish farmers with buyers utilizing cold chain technology.  This loan was part of the Africa Small Business Catalyst program in partnership with USADF and USAID.
• African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership, Inc.:   DFC recently announced a $10 million second loss guarantee to African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership, Inc. to expand the sale of fertilizer on credit to small and medium-sized enterprise agri-input suppliers in Kenya, Zambia, and Ghana.  The guaranty deal is expected to enable up to $360 million in additional fertilizer sales in these three countries over the next three years, furthering regional food security and agricultural production.
• Kentegra Biotechnology:   DFC recently announced a $10 million loan to Kentegra Biotechnology in Kenya to support the construction of a new facility to scale up its production capacity of pale refined pyrethrum extract, a key ingredient in organic pesticides.  DFC’s loan provides women farmers with more predictable income, higher prices than alternative crop options, and training to implement best farming practices and financial planning tools to fully benefit from the increased incomes resulting from pyrethrum cultivation.  USTDA previously announced a grant of $660,000 for a feasibility study supporting the development of this facility, which can facilitate Kenya’s ability to respond to international demand for safer and environmentally friendlier insecticides. 

Debt, Development, and Sustainable Finance

President Biden and President Ruto recognize that mounting debt burdens put critical investments in countries’ sustainable development and ability to address global challenges like the clean energy transition out of reach.  Countries should not have to make the difficult choice between paying back creditors and investing in their people, economy, and future.  

• Launching theNairobi-Washington Vision:   The United States and Kenya are launching the Nairobi-Washington Vision as a call to action to the international community to bring together all its tools to support countries with high ambition with respect to investments in their own development and addressing global challenges that are too often constrained by high debt burdens.  It calls on international financial institutions to provide coordinated packages of support, creditor countries to provide forms of debt relief and/or new budget-support flows, multilateral development banks and development finance institutions to facilitate private sector financing on better terms and crowd in private investment, and creditors to provide more transparent and sustainable lending.  Together we call to the international community to come together around these elements to support high-ambition countries with high-ambition financial support.
• Expanding Support to Developing Countries through the International Financial Institutions :  To make this vision a reality, the United States is stepping up support to international financial institutions.  Through efforts to evolve the multilateral development banks, the United States has worked with Kenya and other shareholders to secure reforms to unlock over $250 billion in new lending at these institutions.  The United States intends to make available in the coming weeks lending of up to $21 billion to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust to support the poorest countries, and has made available this week $250 million through the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) Crisis Response Window to support crisis response in the world’s poorest countries.  President Biden has asked Congress for funding in the FY 2025 budget that would enable $36 billion in new lending at the World Bank that, together with contributions from international partners, could provide an additional $100 billion boost to World Bank financing capacity over time.  Both Kenya and the United States stand in support of an ambitious policy and financing package for the replenishment of the World Bank’s International Development Association. 
• Enhancing Support for Kenya from the International Financial Institutions:  The United States has been a leading voice advocating for international financial institutions to step up support to Kenya to achieve development and climate ambitions.  With strong support from the United States, the IMF has doubled Kenya’s total program financing from $2.2 billion over three years to $4.4 billion over four years.  Robust U.S. financial support has enabled World Bank financing to Kenya, including through increased funding at IDA and the World Bank’s International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.  The United States championed the expansion to select countries in Sub-Saharan Africa of the European Bank for Reconstruction (EBRD) and Development, where the United States is the largest shareholder.  The United States and Kenya worked together to successfully secure Kenya’s membership in the EBRD, which would be a boost to private sector development in the country once Kenya is granted recipient country status.

Digital, Critical, and Emerging Technology Cooperation:  Delivering Innovation, Progress, and Inclusion  

The strong and growing innovation partnership between the United States and Kenya is anchored in a shared commitment to investing in secure and resilient technology supply chains, building a skilled and technologically savvy workforce for the future, promoting the digital economy and infrastructure, and enhancing our cybersecurity posture.  Like the United States, Kenya is an engine for innovation.  Kenya’s “Silicon Savannah” – a $1 billion technology hub – is home to more than 200 startups spanning a range of sectors, including clean energy, microelectronics, financial technology, and e-commerce.  The United States and Kenya share a commitment to ensuring that technology is developed and deployed in a manner that advances transparency, accountability, and human rights.  Together, our two countries are committed to seizing the opportunities of a new digital era and driving innovative approaches to solving some of the most consequential global challenges.

• Building Secure and Resilient Supply Chains:
• Establishing a New Semiconductor and Technology Partnership to Support U.S. and Kenyan Industry, Consumers, and Workers:   The United States views Kenya as a strong emergent partner in building resilient semiconductor supply chains, and we share a commitment to promoting high-quality jobs with strong labor standards for U.S. and Kenyan workers.  We aim to develop programmatic options to expand Kenya’s technical workforce and strengthen its regulatory environment to help attract further private investment and cultivate potential linkages to the U.S. semiconductor supply chain.  To this end, the U.S. State Department intends to partner with the Government of Kenya to explore opportunities to grow and diversify the global semiconductor ecosystem, specifically in the assembly, testing and packaging sector, under the International Technology Security and Innovation Fund, created by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.  Accordingly, the U.S. State Department is working with Congress to commit $1 million in foreign assistance to promote resilient semiconductors supply chains, build secure and trusted ICT ecosystems, and complement U.S. domestic manufacturing capacity.  This would make Kenya the first country in Africa to benefit from funding through the CHIPS and Science Act.
• Partnership to Expand Semiconductor Supply Chain:  The United States is working with Congress to establish a partnership with Kenya to expand and diversify its emerging semiconductor industry in support of global supply chains.  Programs to expand Kenya’s technical workforce and streamline its regulatory environment would assist in attracting further private investment and build linkages to the U.S. semiconductor supply chain, specifically in the assembly, testing and packaging sectors.
• Diversifying the Semiconductor Workforce :  NSF intends to partner with Micron and Global Foundries to launch new funding opportunities to support investments in a diverse semiconductor workforce – including through investing in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges and Universities – to increase equitable access to STEM education in the United States and Kenya.  In addition, NSF has committed to offering workshops, planning grants, and providing supplements to U.S. universities for research and education to strengthen connections between U.S. and Kenyan universities.
• Semiconductor Network and Welcome Corps at Work :  The United States welcomes Micron’s launch of its MSI Semiconductor Network comprised of 16 leading universities across the United States, which seeks to feature collaboration between select MSIs with universities in Kenya to develop the next generation of the semiconductor workforce from underrepresented communities.  Through funding opportunities made available by NSF, GlobalFoundries, and Micron, MSIs – like those that are a part of Micron’s MSI network – can increase access to equitable education, address student programming, and strengthen infrastructure.  The company also announced a partnership with the International Rescue Committee and Talent Beyond Boundaries, through Welcome Corps at Work, to recruit individuals from refugee and immigrant communities across East Africa, including Kenya, to fill semiconductor technician and engineer roles.
• Expanding Semiconductor Fabrication:  USTDA signed an MOU with the Government of Kenya and committed $1.3 million to support Semiconductor Technologies Limited’s expansion of its fabrication of legacy semiconductor chips at commercial scale.
• Enhancing Cybersecurity Cooperation:
• Improving Cybersecurity :  The United States, Kenya, and Google announced a joint effort to help launch a cybersecurity operations platform to improve the security of Kenya’s digital infrastructure, including an initial pilot project to enhance the resilience of Kenya’s e-government services.  Google also highlighted solutions for incident response and resilience-building measures.  Separately, Microsoft has agreed to create a new program to upskill Kenyans through free online certifications to help Kenya fortify its resilience against evolving cyber threats and support AI training and research.  In collaboration with the Government of Kenya and the University of Nairobi, Cisco launched in April 2024 its Cybersecurity Training and Experience Center in Kenya, the first on the African continent.  The Center is supporting the East African digital ecosystem, providing critical cybersecurity skills for future tech leaders. 
• Kenya Regional Cyber Sector Collaboration Symposium:   The United States and Kenya, in collaboration with the Software Engineering Institute, plan to hold a regional event later this year focused on enhancing information sharing between cybersecurity incident response teams to enable a more resilient cyberspace in East Africa.
• Commercial Law Development Program Advisory Support:   As a collaborative effort between the Departments of State and Commerce, the United States intends to provide policy and regulatory advisory services to support secure and trusted ICT ecosystems in Kenya.  Support includes policy and legislative reform advisory services, consultative meetings, capacity-building workshops, and multi-stakeholder engagement at international events. 
• Promoting Digital Connectivity:
• Expanding Digital Connectivity:   Google announced an investment in digital connectivity for Africa Connect, creating the first intercontinental fiber optic route in the southern hemisphere between Kenya and the Asia Pacific region.  The terrestrial portion of Africa Connect has regional breakout points which enable trusted connectivity from Kenya to Uganda, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Google’s Africa Cloud Region. 
• Fiber Backbone and Access Network Expansion:  USTDA recently announced funding for a $1.13 million feasibility study to help Bandwidth and Cloud Services Group (BCS) expand its operations to provide new and affordable broadband network access to thousands of individuals across East and Central Africa.  This grant facilitates the expansion of BCS’s fiber backbone and access network in Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Uganda.  In turn, the expansion should enable other internet service providers to make new investments that can provide affordable fixed wireless access for an even larger consumer market.
• Affordable Urban Internet Connectivity:   USTDA recently announced $1.26 million in funding for a feasibility study to assess market opportunities across Africa in support of Kenya-based Poa Internet’s delivery of affordable fixed wireless internet access.  The grant aims to evaluate the viability of expanding internet access to an additional one million households in low-income urban communities across the continent.
• Bridging the Digital Divide Reverse Trade Mission Series:   USTDA announced two upcoming reverse trade missions to introduce public and private sector representatives from Kenya and Tanzania to the latest U.S. technologies, services, and financing solutions for last-mile connectivity and cybersecurity.  Both reverse trade missions are focused on expanding internet access and improving cybersecurity governance, while increasing the likelihood that these digital transformation projects are implemented using U.S. technologies and services.
• Mombasa to Malaba Fiber and Tower Infrastructure :  At the 2024 AmCham East Africa Business Summit, USTDA announced $1.2 million to address Kenya’s internet affordability gap.  USTDA’s grant to the Wilken Group enables evaluation of the development of fiber optic infrastructure and a series of 5G-capable towers along the Meter Gauge Railway between the cities of Mombasa and Malaba.
• Africa Cross-Continental Fiber Backbone :  At the 2024 AmCham East Africa Business Summit, USTDA announced $1.3 million in funding for a feasibility study for CSquared to assess plans for a cross-continent fiber optic backbone from East Africa to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  The fiber optic backbone would help hundreds of thousands of Africans gain access to affordable broadband for the first time.  USTDA’s grant also aims to establish city-level fiber networks and last-mile connectivity to commercial buildings and homes.
• Last-Mile Internet:  The Government of Kenya and Microsoft continue to collaborate to increase internet connectivity in Kenya and throughout the region, including by bringing last-mile wireless internet access to 20 million Kenyans and 50 million people across East Africa by the end of 2025.
• Digital Transformation with Africa (DTA) Partnership with the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI):  DTA intends to provide $1 million to YALI’s Regional Leadership Center (RLC) in Kenya to expand digital skills and literacy, support digital entrepreneurs and start-ups, and increase private sector engagement across East Africa.  This activity should inform additional DTA-YALI activities with other RLCs in Ghana, Senegal, and South Africa, benefiting young African leaders in 49 countries.
• Construction of Green Data Center for Cloud Services :  The government of Kenya and Microsoft announced they are joining a partnership that plans to construct a 1-gigawatt datacenter in Naivasha, Kenya.  The data center will be run on Microsoft Azure cloud services and offer access to cloud-based applications and services to organizations and individuals in Kenya and East Africa – allowing the Government of Kenya to move its data and services to trusted vendors.  The data center will be powered entirely by geothermal energy and will feature state-of-the-art water conservation technology to minimize water use. 
• M-KOPA:   DFC announced a $51 million loan to Kenyan company M-KOPA to support the financing of up to $210 million of smartphone receivables, and cash loans, increasing the affordability of devices to low-income borrowers.
• Establishing Strategic Dialogue on AI :  The governments of the United States and Kenya established a Strategic Dialogue on AI to discuss deepening our collaboration to ensure the development and deployment of safe, secure, and trustworthy AI systems.  This dialogue focuses on spurring innovation, bolstering sustainable and inclusive economic growth, promoting digital transformation, overcoming digital divides, and advancing democracy, equity, and universal human rights.  The Dialogue offers the opportunity to discuss and coordinate policies around the national security implications of AI and associated technologies.  The inaugural Strategic Dialogue on AI meeting is scheduled to take place in late 2024.
• Collaboration between the U.S. AI Safety Institute and Kenya’s Imagine Tech and Action Lab :  The U.S. AI Safety Institute and Kenya’s equivalent Imagine Tech and Action Lab plan on future collaboration to advance scientific research for AI safety, develop guidance for safety evaluations and mitigations, and work towards interoperable standards.  This collaboration fosters connections between our talent, resources, and capacity in order to harness the benefits of AI safety for all.  Through this collaboration, Kenya intends to join a growing global scientific network of institutes focused on AI safety and committed to international cooperation.

Peace and Security Cooperation:  Protecting People Across the Globe  

Decades of strong security cooperation between the United States and Kenya have played a critical role in East Africa and beyond.  This partnership extends to areas including international peacekeeping, peace negotiations, security governance, refugee inclusion, and cooperation in cybersecurity.  The U.S.-Kenya partnership plays a central role in international efforts to defeat al-Shabaab, ISIS elements based in East Africa, and other terrorist organizations.  The United States is also firmly committed to supporting Kenya in its deployment to lead the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to Haiti, providing much needed security assistance to the Haitian people.

• Elevating our Bilateral Relationship:   In a powerful symbol of the close relationship between the United States and Kenya, today President Biden is informing Congress he intends to designate Kenya as a Major Non-NATO Ally.  This designation is granted by the United States to countries with close and strategic working relationships with the U.S. military and defense civilians.  The United States has a deep respect for Kenya’s contributions to global peace and security.  This is the first designation of a sub-Saharan Africa nation as a Major Non-NATO Ally.
• Promoting Peace and Security:  To further strengthen and amplify Kenya’s regional role in peace negotiations and mediation, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations is funding the Public International Law and Policy Group’s 12-month training program to establish an effective mediation/negotiations support unit in the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Peace and Security Directorate.
• Leading on Refugee Response:  The United States and Kenya reiterate the importance of building a strong asylum system, partnering on social and economic integration of refugees and host communities, and supporting the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.  Over the past 10 years, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration provided more than $667 million in humanitarian assistance in Kenya.  This funding supports basic needs, protection, and durable solutions for refugees and other vulnerable populations and promotes economic and financial inclusion for refugees and their Kenyan host communities.  In recognition of the importance of responsibility sharing and advancing solutions in protracted displacement, the United States has resettled more than 26,000 third country refugees from Kenya since 2014.
• Investing in the Security Sector:  The United States is making long-term investments in Kenya’s defense capabilities, including by building border security capabilities, increasing maritime security awareness, improving peacekeeping capacity, supporting humanitarian response, and strengthening civilian and military defense institutions.  The United States has invested heavily in Keya’s defense capabilities, providing over $230 million in civilian security and defense sector funding since 2020, with a strategic focus on our shared counterterrorism interests, including a robust partnership with the Massachusetts National Guard under the State Partnership Program. 
• Working Together to Bring Peace to Haiti:  The United States reaffirmed its support for Kenya’s plan to deploy 1,000 police to Haiti as part of the MSS mission to Haiti to help bring security and stability to the Caribbean nation.  Answering the call from Haiti and the international community, Kenya has pledged lead an international force as authorized by a UN Security Council Resolution 2699.
• Bolstering Criminal Justice System Response to Counter Terrorism:   Consistent with the vision President Biden laid out at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, the State Department Bureau of Counterterrorism announced $18.7 million to help build the Kenyan criminal justice system’s ability to address terrorism threats in a manner consistent with the rule of law.  The funds provide training, mentorship, and equipment to investigators, forensic examiners, law enforcement, court officials, and prosecutors.  The programming also promotes the U.S. Strategy on Women, Peace, and Security through specialized training and mentorship for female law enforcement officers in Kenya engaged in counterterrorism efforts and capacity-building measures to improve the meaningful participation of women in peace and security.
• Countering Terrorism:  Underscoring our shared commitment in the fight against terrorism, U.S. and Kenyan officials plan to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to expand the Manda Bay Airfield in coastal Kenya by building a 10,000-foot runway.  The expanded facility provides Kenya the required infrastructure to increase operations against the terrorist group al-Shabaab.
• Deepening Cooperation on Information Sharing:  The two countries have committed to deepen cooperation on counterterrorism information sharing to constitute a comprehensive response to the international terrorist threat.  Additionally, Kenya is in the process of joining Operation Gallant Phoenix, a program that advances multinational collaboration and sharing of terrorist information to build mutual capacity to collect and use battlefield evidence in civilian criminal justice proceedings in a multiagency, multinational setting.  These initiatives should help both countries better protect our borders and our citizens from terrorist actors.
• Refurbishing and Delivering Helicopters:  Kenya is scheduled to receive 16 U.S.-manufactured helicopters between late 2024 and summer 2025 to bolster its ability to provide regional peace and security (8 Hueys) and participate in peacekeeping missions (8 MD-500s). 
• Continuing Military Procurement:  Kenya has one of the largest U.S. Foreign Military Sales portfolios in Africa.  Kenya selected approximately 150 M1117 Armored Security Vehicles from U.S. Excess Defense Article stocks, which are projected to arrive in Kenya September 2024.
• Collaborating in Military Exercises:  The United States welcomesKenya’s hosting of and participation in some of the largest U.S. military exercises in Africa, including Exercise JUSTIFIED ACCORD – the second largest U.S. military exercise in Africa – and Exercise CUTLASS EXPRESS, which focuses on building interoperability amongst multinational partners in the maritime environment.
• Deepening A Legacy of Military Training and Capacity Building:  In summer 2024, for the first time the Kenya Defence Forces have candidates starting courses at the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Academy, building on a long tradition of the majority of Kenyan general officers benefitting from U.S. International Military Education Training courses.  The U.S. military currently has seven advisors in Kenya supporting Kenyan aviators and for the first time, the United States is providing a Strategic Logistics Advisor to Kenya’s Ministry of Defence.  Kenya’s U.S.-trained Disaster Response Battalion has also been involved in recent search and rescue operations in response to recent flooding in Kenya.

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Biden to welcome super bowl winning kansas city chiefs to the white house next week.

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The White House announced Friday that President Joe Biden will welcome the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs to the White House on May 31.

Video above: Biden recognizes the Chiefs' Super Bowl win at the White House in 2023

It’ll be the second visit in as many years for the Chiefs, who are celebrating the first back-to-back Super Bowl championships in two decades.

The visit caps off a particularly high-profile season for the Chiefs after pop superstar Taylor Swift and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce went public with their relationship early in the season. But, it’s unlikely that Swift will be visiting the White House with Kelce – she’s touring Europe as part of the foreign leg of her record-breaking “Eras Tour” and will be playing a show in Madrid the night before the visit before traveling on to Lyon, France, later in the weekend.

Speaking to reporters following last year’s visit, quarterback Patrick Mahomes called the trip to the White House “surreal.”

“I mean, I’ve never been to Washington, D.C. I’ve never even got to see from the outside, seeing the White House or any of the monuments or memorials,” Mahomes told reporters. “And so, to be able to be here and see that, and see the history of this great nation that we have – it was really cool for me to just be here and be in the moment, and I don’t think I could ever really imagine it being as cool as it was.”

Video below: Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce present President Biden with jersey at the White House

The visit could have some underlying tension after Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker criticized Biden, who is Catholic, and other unnamed Catholic leaders for “pushing dangerous gender ideologies onto the youth of America” – an apparent reference to transgender rights. His commencement speech at Benedictine College , a small Catholic school in Atchison, Kansas, drew criticism, particularly for a portion in which he said that a woman’s accomplishments in the home are more valuable than any academic or professional goals.

“I want to speak directly to you briefly because I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you,” Butker said during the speech.

“How many of you are sitting here now about to cross this stage and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you are going to get in your career? Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world,” he said.

Butker also praised his wife Isabelle, saying she “would be the first to say her life truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and as a mother.”

Asked earlier this week whether Butker would visit the White House with the team, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told reporters, “Oh, I’m sure he will, yeah.”

Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to weigh in on the delicate situation when asked during a press briefing last week if the White House expected Butker to attend the festivities.

“Honestly, what I can say is we invite the entire team and we do that always. I don’t have anything beyond that,” she told reporters. “We invite the team, it’s an invitation that goes to the team, and so it’s up to the team who comes and who doesn’t.”

Mahomes defended Butker on Wednesday, telling reporters that Butker is a “good person,” despite “not necessarily agreeing” with his comments.

“I’m not going to judge him by that. I judge him by the way he acts every single day. I’m not going to get into the full details of the entire speech,” Mahomes said. “At the same time, I know what type of person he is and I’m going to make sure I look at that first and let the other stuff handle itself.”

Reid said he talks to Butker “all the time” but did not address the speech with him.

“We’re a microcosm of life here,” Reid said. “Everybody is from different areas, different religions, different races and we all get along. We all respect each other’s opinions, and not necessarily do we go by those but we respect everybody to have a voice.”

“It’s a great thing about America and we’re just, like I said, a microcosm of that,” he continued. “My wish is that everybody could follow that. … I don’t think he was speaking ill to women. He has his opinions, and we all respect that. I let you guys in this room, and you have a lot of opinions that I don’t like.”

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White house visit announced for back-to-back super bowl champion kansas city chiefs.

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The Kansas City Chiefs are going back to Washington, D.C.

The Chiefs will be honored next week, Friday, May 31, for defending their Super Bowl championship.

President Joe Biden extended an invitation shortly after the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime.

"With their third Super Bowl win in just five seasons, the Kansas City Chiefs aren't just champions today — they're a dynasty," Biden said on X. "Congratulations, Chiefs Kingdom. Ready to welcome this team back to the White House."

Last year's visit was the first to The White House for the Chiefs.

The tradition was not in place when the team won Super Bowl IV against the Minnesota Vikings.

The COVID-19 pandemic prevented the Chiefs from visiting in 2020.

You can watch the entire 2023 White House ceremony below:

More on the Kansas City Chiefs' 2023 White House visit:

• Kansas City Chiefs celebrate their Super Bowl victory with visit to the White House
• Watch: The best moments and highlights from the Kansas City Chiefs visit to the White House
• Andy Reid mic pop gets big laugh at Chiefs White House ceremony
• "You're an American": Andy Reid discusses the honor of visiting the White House
• Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce give custom jersey to President Joe Biden at White House
• Biden says Chiefs ‘building a dynasty’ as he hosts Kansas City Super Bowl champs at White House