U.S. lawmakers are raising concerns over Kenya’s foreign policy orientation following President William Ruto’s recent visit to China, which has sparked debate in the Senate about Nairobi’s loyalty to Washington.
During an official trip to Beijing last month at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Ruto hailed China and Kenya as “co-architects of a new world order,” positioning the two nations as strategic partners beyond trade.
The remarks have unsettled some U.S. senators, particularly in light of rising geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China.
On Tuesday, Senator Jim Risch, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, criticized Ruto’s comments, suggesting they signaled a shift in allegiance.
“Just last month, President Ruto declared that Kenya, a major non-NATO ally, and China are ‘co-architects of a new world order.’ That’s not just alignment to China; it’s allegiance,” he said. “It’s time to reassess our relationship with Kenya and others who forge tight bonds with China.”
Ruto’s remarks came less than a year after a high-profile state visit to Washington, where President Joe Biden designated Kenya a major non-NATO ally, a move that granted Nairobi special access to U.S. military support, training, and defense financing.
Kenya has also long been a key counterterrorism partner in the Horn of Africa, working closely with the U.S. in operations targeting al-Shabaab in Somalia.
While U.S.-Kenya relations have historically been strong, Risch warned that America must be “clear-eyed” about its partnerships.
He argued that Washington’s engagement with Africa should prioritize institutions, private sector ties, and youth empowerment over reliance on individual leaders.
“Relying on leaders who embrace Beijing so openly is an error,” Risch said, cautioning that U.S. efforts to fight terrorism and promote trade on the continent “cannot be soiled” by what he sees as questionable allegiances.
Ruto, however, has defended Kenya’s balanced diplomatic stance. Since assuming office in 2022, he has emphasized a “forward-facing” foreign policy, stating that Kenya seeks to work with both East and West. He likened his China visit to his earlier Washington trip, framing Kenya as a bridge between global powers amid deepening geopolitical divisions.
China remains Kenya’s largest trading partner and top source of imports, while Kenya is China’s biggest trade partner in East Africa. The two nations have collaborated extensively on infrastructure and trade initiatives.
As U.S.-China rivalry continues to shape international alliances, Ruto’s dual-track diplomacy has placed Kenya in the middle of a growing debate over influence in Africa, one that may test the future of its partnerships with both Washington and Beijing.
