An amendment was recently introduced in the United States Senate that could have serious effects on Kenya’s status as a major non-NATO ally.
This amendment, put forward by Senator Risch, is tied to the U.S. defense bill for the fiscal year 2026. It calls for a complete review of Kenya’s designation as a major non-NATO ally, which was officially granted on June 24, 2024.
This status usually gives a country special military and economic privileges from the U.S., including closer defense cooperation and easier access to American military technology.
But now, within 90 days after this bill becomes law, the U.S. Secretary of State, along with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Director of National Intelligence, will be required to begin a formal review of this relationship.
The law requires that a report be delivered to Congress within 180 days, containing the results of this review. The report will focus on several key areas.
First, it will assess how strong the relationship between Kenya and the United States really is, especially in the fight against terrorism and Kenya’s role in maintaining peace in Africa and places like Haiti.
It will also look into Kenya’s military and security dealings with countries that are not friendly with the U.S., specifically China, Russia, and Iran. This includes any agreements, joint exercises, or security cooperation since Kenya was given its current ally status.
Another focus of the review will be on the political and financial relationships between Kenyan leaders and institutions and the governments of China, Russia, and Iran.
The U.S. wants to know whether Kenyan political figures or organizations are being influenced by these countries or receiving funds from them.
The report will also assess if any Kenyan officials or government entities have ties to non-state armed groups or terrorist groups such as al-Shabaab or the Rapid Support Forces, both of which have caused insecurity in the region.
Kenya’s trade and investment relations with China will be examined closely, especially any involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative and any significant debt Kenya owes to China.
There’s also concern about whether Kenya is being used as a hiding place for people and organizations under U.S. sanctions, including terrorists and financial criminals from neighboring countries like Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, and Uganda.
Finally, the review will look into how Kenya is using the security and intelligence support it receives from the U.S.
There are concerns that this support might be misused in activities like torture, illegal renditions, abductions, and violence against civilians.
This review could lead to the U.S. either strengthening or cutting back on its support and cooperation with Kenya depending on the findings.
The final report will go to the relevant congressional committees responsible for foreign affairs, armed services, and intelligence in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The outcome of this review will not only impact Kenya’s defense and security ties with the U.S. but could also send a strong message about how closely Washington is willing to work with countries that also maintain relationships with U.S. rivals.
