US sets timeline to probe Kenya’s non-NATO ally status over China ties, terror links

According to the Congressional Record Vol. 171, Senator James Risch submitted an amendment to authorize appropriations for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for the 2026 fiscal year.

Upon the enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, the Treasury and the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), shall commence a review of the major non-NATO status of Kenya, conferred on June 24, 2024, not later than 90 days.

Likewise, a classified report shall be submitted to the appropriate committees of Congress on the findings of the review not later than 180 days after the Act's enactment.

The report will include an assessment of Kenya's relationship with the U.S. in countering violent extremism, maintaining peace and security in Sub-Saharan Africa, and in Haiti, as a United Nations peacekeeping troop contributing country, and as an economic partner.

It will also include a detailed description of Kenya's military, security, political and financial relationship with China, Russia, and Iran, including any engagements, agreements, or joint activities since June 24, 2024.

The probe will further interrogate Kenya's trade ties with China, on its participation in the Belt and Road Initiative and the bilateral debt and commercial ties.

There will also be an assessment of Kenya's links with non-state armed groups and violent extremist organizations, including Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and al-Shabaab.

The team shall also scrutinize Kenya's financial safety for individuals and entities on the Office of Foreign Assets Control Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons list and foreign terrorist organizations, including those based in South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, and Somalia.

Kenya will also be probed on how it uses security assistance and intelligence support from the U.S., including potential impacts on state and non-state-sponsored actions against civilians, to include abductions, torture, renditions, and violence against civilians.

Kenya's fate hangs in the balance as the U.S. seeks to withdraw Kenya's non-NATO ally status after its trade links with China and the alleged involvement with terror groups.

President William Ruto has however defended his move to work with China, noting that the Asian powerhouse agreed to lift all tariffs on key Kenyan agricultural exports, including tea, coffee, and avocados, a major trade milestone.

The agreement is poised to boost Kenya’s export volumes to the world’s second-largest economy, which already supplies over Ksh.600 billion worth of goods to Kenya annually.

Ruto acknowledged that the growing economic relationship with China has caused unease among some of Kenya’s traditional allies, including the U.S.

Meanwhile, Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has declared his support for the review by U.S., noting that there is a legitimate need to probe cases of police brutality, abductions, torture, and murder under President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza regime.