The US Congress has been asked to review Kenya’s status as a major non-NATO ally in an amendment to the Senate bill S. 2296.
The bill is intended to authorise appropriations for fiscal year 2026 for military and defense activities.
The amendment, known as SA 3628, was submitted by Senator Jim Risch proposes a review of Kenya’s status as a major non-NATO ally, a designation conferred on June 24, 2024.
Kenya received the status through an order signed by former US President Joe Biden following a State visit by President William Ruto in 2024.
In May, the senator has raised alarms over Kenya’s growing ties with China, warning that the East African nation risks losing its prestigious non-NATO ally status.
“Kenya plays a vital role in regional counter-insurgency and stability. But as our newest Major Non-NATO Ally, Kenya’s ties with China are troubling,” Senator Risch said in a statement on Wednesday, May 21.
The proposed amendment requires the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Director of National Intelligence, to initiate a review of Kenya’s major non-NATO status within 90 days of the act’s enactment.
Within 180 days of the act’s enactment, a classified report containing the review’s findings must be submitted to the appropriate congressional committees.
The report would include an assessment of Kenya’s relationship with the United States regarding counter-violent extremism, achieving peace and security in Sub-Saharan Africa and Haiti, its role as a UN peacekeeping troop contributor, and its position as an economic partner.
It would also include a detailed description of the Kenyan government’s military and security relationships with China, Russia, and Iran, including any engagements or joint activities that have taken place since June 24, 2024.
The report would also include a detailed description of the political and financial ties between key Kenyan political actors and institutions and China, Russia, and Iran.
Additionally, it would include an assessment of the relationships between the Kenyan government and its key officials with non-state armed groups and violent extremist organisations, such as the Rapid Support Forces and al-Shabaab.
Senator Risch also wants an assessment of Kenya’s trade and investment relationship with China, including its participation in the Belt and Road Initiative and bilateral debt and commercial ties.
He is also seeking an assessment of whether Kenya serves as a financial safe haven for individuals and entities on the Office of Foreign Assets Control’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons list and for foreign terrorist organisations, including those based in South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, and Somalia.
The report would further include an assessment of the Kenyan government’s use of U.S. security assistance and intelligence support, including any potential impacts on actions against civilians like abductions, torture, renditions, and violence.
