Top US Senator tables Bill seeking review of Kenya’s status as Major Non-NATO Ally over its ties with China
Among issues to be reviewed are political and financial links of key political actors and financial institutions of Kenya with China, Russia and Iran
Kenya is at the risk of losing its prestigious status as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) of the United States if Congress approves a proposed law that seeks its review within 90 days.
The status, which is largely symbolic as it does not accrue the benefits enjoyed by permanent NATO members such as joint defence but is seen as significant in political and security terms, among others, was secured during President Ruto’s three-day State visit to Washington during which then President Joe Biden described the move as “a fulfilment of years of collaboration”. Kenya became the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to gain the status.
However, remarks made by President Ruto during his State visit to China have been criticised as undermining US interests and thus the need to review the relationship.
Speaking at Peking University, Ruto was clear that the current global order is broken, dysfunctional, and no longer fit for purpose.
“Kenya and China will act as co-architects of a new order—one that is fair, inclusive, and sustainable,” he added.
During the visit, which took place during a time of tensions between US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, Ruto also decried “hegemonic power and unilateralism”, which observers interpreted as a pointed criticism of Washington’s policy shifts on trade and defence.
Now, a proposed amendment in a Bill moved by Jim Risch, the chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, who has been critical of the continuing close ties between Nairobi and Beijing, provides that not later than 90 days after its enactment, the Secretary of Defence, the Secretary of Treasury and the Director of National Intelligence, shall commence a review of the major non-NATO status of Kenya, which was conferred on June 24, 2024.
The Secretary of Defence, in coordination with the other two top officials, would then be required to submit not later than 180 days after it become law, a classified report to the appropriate committees of Congress the findings of the review, including Kenya’s relationship with the US in countering violent extremism, achieving and maintaining peace and security in Sub-Saharan Africa and in Haiti, as a United Nations peace keeping troop contributing country, and as an economic partner.
The report should also include a detailed description of the security and military relationship between the Kenyan government and China, Russia and Iran, including any engagements and agreements or joint activities since June 24, 2024.
Further, it should include a detailed description of the political and financial links of key political actors and financial institutions of Kenya with China, Russia and Iran.
Also to be included is a detailed assessment of the relationship between the Kenyan government and its key officials with non-state armed groups and violent extremist organisations, including the Rapid Support Forces and Al Shabaab.
Kenya’s trade and investment relationship with China will also come under review, including with respect to participation in the Belt and Road Initiative and bilateral debt and commercial ties.
Others include an assessment of Kenya as a financial safe haven for individuals and entities on the Office of Foreign Assets on Specially Designated and Blocked Persons list and foreign terrorist organisations, including such individuals in South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda and Somalia.
The US will further look into whether Kenya is using US security assistance and intelligence support and sharing, including potential impacts on state and nonstate sponsored actions against civilians to include abductions, torture, renditions and violence against civilians.
If passed into law, the review will be submitted to the Committees on Foreign Relations and Armed Services and the Permanent Select Committees on Intelligence of both the Senate and House of Representatives.
The call for a review comes despite that an assurance in May by the Head of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) General Michael Langley that the relationship was not at stake in the wake of criticism from Risch following Ruto’s pivot towards China.
“Kenya is a great partner for the US. You know, when President Ruto visited the US last year, we reaffirmed that partnership. The ongoing operations at my level in Somalia with Kenyan forces further demonstrate that we are moving forward together. The fact remains that Kenya is a major non-NATO ally,” Langley, who was in the country for the African Chief of Defence Forces conference, said on May 27.
Some of the benefits that accrue from being an MNNAs include being eligible for loans of materials and equipment for research, development or testing, stationing US-owned War Reserve Stockpiles can be placed on a country’s territory and potential access to purchase of depleted uranium ammunition.
The allies can enter a formal agreement with the US Department of Defence to carry out research and development projects. Additionally, firms of the MNNA can bid on contracts to repair and maintain US Defence Department equipment outside of the US.
