US Sets Timeline to Probe Kenya’s Non-NATO Ally Status Over China Ties, Terror Links
Kenya’s newly acquired status as a major non-NATO ally is facing a high-stakes review by the United States over alleged links to terror groups and deepening economic ties with China.
According to the Congressional Record Vol. 171, Senator James Risch has introduced an amendment directing the U.S. Secretary of State—alongside the Secretaries of Defense, Treasury, and the Director of National Intelligence—to begin the review within 90 days of the enactment of the Act.
A classified report on the findings will be delivered to Congress no later than 180 days after the review begins. The assessment will cover Kenya’s role in countering violent extremism, its contributions to peacekeeping in Sub-Saharan Africa and Haiti, and its status as a U.S. economic partner.
China Ties Under Scrutiny
The probe will examine Kenya’s military, security, political, and financial dealings with China, Russia, and Iran since June 24, 2024. Kenya’s participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, as well as its debt and commercial links with Beijing, will be central to the review.
The U.S. will also investigate Kenya’s alleged connections to non-state armed groups, including Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Somalia’s al-Shabaab.
Terror Financing Concerns
The review will look into Kenya’s financial systems to determine if they provide safe haven for individuals and organizations on the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions list, including foreign terrorist organizations based in South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, and Somalia.
Additionally, U.S. officials will assess how Kenya uses American security assistance and intelligence support, including whether such aid has been linked to abuses such as abductions, torture, and violence against civilians.
Ruto Defends China Relationship
President William Ruto has defended Kenya’s engagement with China, highlighting Beijing’s decision to lift all tariffs on key Kenyan exports such as tea, coffee, and avocados—a deal expected to significantly boost export volumes.
“China is providing market access for our farmers and creating opportunities for our economy. We must diversify our partnerships while safeguarding our sovereignty,” Ruto said.
China already exports goods worth over KSh 600 billion to Kenya annually, and the new trade concessions are expected to deepen economic ties.
Political Reactions at Home
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has welcomed the U.S. review, arguing that it could expose human rights abuses under Ruto’s administration.
“There are legitimate concerns about police brutality, abductions, torture, and extrajudicial killings that must be addressed,” Gachagua stated.
With Washington signaling that Kenya’s major non-NATO ally status could be revoked, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether Nairobi can balance its strategic partnerships without jeopardizing key security and economic benefits.
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US Sets Timeline to Probe Kenya’s Non-NATO Ally Status Over China Ties, Terror Links