Wednesday, August 6, 2025 - Kenya risks major diplomatic and military setbacks following renewed scrutiny by U.S lawmakers over its Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status, granted during President William Ruto’s May 2024 state visit to Washington, the first by a Kenyan leader in 15 years.
The designation, seen as a reward for Kenya’s
counterterrorism cooperation and support for Western-led global initiatives, is
now under threat.
An amendment introduced by U.S Senator James Risch in August
2025 calls for a formal review of Kenya’s MNNA eligibility, citing seven areas
of concern.
These include Kenya’s peacekeeping role in Africa and Haiti,
its counter-extremism record, and deepening security ties with rival powers
China, Russia, and Iran.
Analysts link the review to recent foreign policy missteps
by Ruto’s administration, which has courted both Western allies and
authoritarian regimes in a bid to balance geopolitical interests, an approach
now drawing U.S ire.
The review, to be initiated within 90 days, could result in
Kenya losing key strategic privileges.
These include access to surplus U.S military equipment,
priority in arms procurement, funding for joint defense projects, and
eligibility to bid on U.S Department of Defense contracts abroad.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Korir Sing’Oei, has
sought to allay fears, stating that the concerns raised will be
“comprehensively addressed,” while reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to national
sovereignty and international cooperation.
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