NAIROBI, Kenya – Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei has urged calm in response to news that the United States Congress is set to review Kenya’s designation as a major non-NATO ally, a move that has sparked debate over Nairobi’s foreign relations and internal governance.
In a post on X, Sing’Oei sought to temper growing speculation around the implications of the review, assuring Kenyans that the matter will be handled in line with the country’s sovereignty and strategic interests.
“No need to be too excited SC @Paul_Muite. The issues canvassed in the congressional bill will be comprehensively addressed, taking into account Kenya’s sovereignty and interests,” the PS said.
No need to be too excited SC @Paul_Muite. The issues canvassed in the congressional bill will be comprehensively addressed taking into account Kenya’s sovereignty and interests.
Sing’Oei was responding to remarks by Senior Counsel Paul Muite, who described the U.S. Senate bill as “massive,” listing wide-ranging concerns it raises about Kenya’s political and security environment.
Among the flagged issues are:
- Alleged ties between Kenyan officials and Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF)
- Reports of extrajudicial killings, abductions, and involvement in illicit arms and gold trades
- Corruption in infrastructure deals with China
- The country’s growing alignment with U.S. adversaries, namely China, Russia, and Iran
Review Signals U.S. Concerns Over Kenya’s Alliances
The proposed legislation—Amendment SA 3628 to the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026—requires a comprehensive reassessment of Kenya’s military, economic, and intelligence relationships.
The amendment, introduced by Senator James Risch, mandates a review within 90 days of enactment and a classified report to be submitted to Congress within 180 days.
“Widened diplomacy with America’s greatest competitor is not an alliance – it is a risk for the U.S. to assess,” Risch warned in May, referencing Kenya’s close engagement with China under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Focus on China, Russia, and Iran
The bill seeks to scrutinize:
- Kenya’s participation in the BRI
- Bilateral debt and commercial agreements with China
- Military cooperation with China, Russia, and Iran since June 2024
- Kenya’s use of U.S. security assistance and any possible links to human rights violations
It also calls for an assessment of whether Kenya has become a financial safe haven for actors under international sanctions, including groups or individuals tied to terrorism or regional conflicts.
Strategic Projects Under the Spotlight
Kenya’s flagship Chinese-financed infrastructure—such as the Mombasa–Naivasha Standard Gauge Railway, the Nairobi Expressway, and upgrades to the Mombasa port—feature prominently in the U.S. review agenda.
These projects have deepened Kenya’s economic dependence on Beijing, drawing attention from Washington.
Despite the growing scrutiny, PS Sing’Oei appeared confident that Kenya’s relationship with the U.S. would withstand the current storm, reiterating the government’s commitment to balanced foreign policy.
Background: Kenya’s Non-NATO Status
Kenya was designated a major non-NATO ally by the U.S. in June 2024, a significant upgrade that allowed for enhanced defense cooperation, training, and access to U.S. military technology.
The decision was hailed as a diplomatic win for President William Ruto, positioning Kenya as a key U.S. partner in regional security efforts, including counterterrorism operations in the Horn of Africa and peacekeeping in Haiti.
With growing calls for transparency and accountability, the outcome of the Congressional review could have far-reaching implications—not only for U.S.-Kenya ties but also for Nairobi’s positioning in the broader geopolitical tug-of-war between East and West.
