In May, Kenyan President William Ruto traveled to Washington for an official state visit, meeting with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. While the visit featured a warm reception, just a month later, Ruto faced widespread protests at home over a proposed tax increase aimed at managing Kenya’s rising debt, much of which stems from questionable loans linked to China.

The protests, led predominantly by young Kenyans, highlight the country’s deep-rooted struggles with corruption, which hampers economic growth and contributes to systemic inefficiencies. During a recent visit to Kenya, I observed firsthand the public’s frustration with a corrupt system that hinders the nation’s progress. With Kenya’s national debt reaching $80 billion, and corruption believed to account for a significant portion of this burden, citizens are calling for urgent reforms.

Following weeks of public outcry, President Ruto reshuffled his cabinet and pledged a new direction. However, the United States can play a more pivotal role in backing Kenya’s efforts against corruption. By tying aid to commitments for good governance, supporting civil society, and increasing funding for democracy and anti-corruption programs, the U.S. can help drive meaningful change. Given that corruption continues to undermine political stability across Africa, it is crucial for the U.S. to take a firm stance in supporting governance reforms in Kenya and beyond.