Tension between Kenya and the United States is absent, according to Mudavadi
In a recent development, Kenya's Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status, granted in June 2024, is under review by the United States. This review, mandated by an amendment introduced by Senator Jim Risch in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), is set to examine Kenya's foreign policy, military partnerships, and human rights record, with a particular focus on its relations with China, Russia, and Iran, as well as alleged ties to extremist groups[1][3][4].
The review was triggered by concerns about Kenya’s geopolitical alignments, including President William Ruto’s comments naming China and Kenya as architects of a new world order, and Kenya's active role in China's Belt and Road Initiative. Additional issues prompting the review include allegations of misuse of US security and intelligence support in civilian abductions and torture, Kenya's hosting of controversial figures like Sudan’s RSF commander Mohamed Daglo, and Kenya’s involvement in regional instability incidents[1][2][4].
If the review leads to a downgrade or stripping of Kenya’s MNNA status, it would jeopardize Kenya’s access to advanced US military technology, defense equipment, loans of military materials, training, joint operations, and formal research partnerships with the US Department of Defense. This could also impact Kenya-led missions, such as the peacekeeping operation in Haiti[1][2].
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, however, has affirmed that there is no crisis between Kenya and the US. He stated that Kenya is working closely with the United States on various bilateral and regional programs, including security-related programs[2]. Mudavadi also emphasized that Kenya is a sovereign state and its sovereignty must be upheld and respected by all nations[2].
In a recent meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his tour of the US, Mudavadi reiterated the importance of measured consideration when discussing issues between Kenya and the US, stating that there is no crisis or attack on Kenya[2]. Mudavadi has also been to the Trade Department to discuss the issues around the trade between Kenya and the US[2].
On the matter of trade tariffs, Mudavadi mentioned that the issue is still under negotiation, as previously stated[1]. Kenya currently benefits from the lowest trade tariffs at 10% imposed by President Trump. However, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), a US trade preference programme for African exports, is set to expire[1]. If the American government does not renew the framework for all African countries, each nation would engage the Trump government on its own, as previously mentioned[1].
Mudavadi did not mention any review of Kenya's non-NATO ally status in this context. It is worth noting that the call to review Kenya's non-NATO ally status was a private member's Bill, not originating from the US government[2].
In conclusion, Kenya's MNNA status is undergoing a significant review by the United States, reflecting growing US skepticism about Kenya’s strategic reliability and its evolving ties with global powers viewed as rivals to the US[1][2][3][4]. The outcome of this review could have far-reaching implications for Kenya's defense and trade relations with the US.
- The review of Kenya's MNNA status, driven by senatorial amendment, extends to examining Kenya's relations not only in politics but also in business, with a focus on its ties with China, Russia, and Iran, as well as accusations of collaboration with extremist groups.
- The potential downgrade or revocation of Kenya's MNNA status could pose a threat to Kenya's access not just to political collaborations, but also to advanced technology, defense equipment, loans, joint operations, and research partnerships with the US Department of Defense.
- Beyond politics, the trade relationship between Kenya and the US is also a topic of discussion, with Kenya currently benefiting from lower trade tariffs but the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), a US trade preference program for African exports, set to expire, potentially leading to negotiation with the US government on a case-by-case basis.
