President Ruto’s Recent Moves Alarm U.S. Officials

 File: President Ruto inspecting a guard of honor alongside then US President Joe Biden (courtesy)

The recent actions by President Ruto to enhance relations with China have alarmed the US Congress.

In a proposal from US foreign relations, the US aims to reassess Kenya's status as a major non-NATO ally following President Ruto's visit to the People's Republic of China.

The US Congress is anticipated to deliver the report within 180 days following the enactment of the proposal into law.

"Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Treasury and the Director of National Intelligence, shall commence a review of the major non NATO status of Kenya, conferred on June 24, 2024.

"Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a classified report," the statement read in part.

Kenya received that status during President Ruto's State visit to the US in June 2024, when Joe Biden was the President.

Following his State visit to China, where he obtained deals valued at over Ksh126 billion, Kenya's relationship with President Trump's administration has deteriorated.

US officials want the team to conduct a thorough review, including examining the financial support provided to key political leaders in the country by China, Russia, or Iran, as well as the trade and investment between Kenya and China.

" A detailed description of the military and security relationship of the Government of Kenya with the People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation, and Iran, including any engagements, agreements, or joint activities since June 24, 2024; and a detailed description of the political and financial links of key political actors and institutions of Kenya with the People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation, and Iran.

 File: President Ruto inspecting a guard of honor alongside China President Xi Jinping (courtesy)

"An assessment of the trade and investment relationship of Kenya with the People's Republic of China, including with respect to; participation in the Belt and Road Initiative; and bilateral debt and commercial ties."

In April 2023, Kenya entered into a multibillion-shilling agreement with China to implement significant projects as part of the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

During his State visit to China, President Ruto highlighted key initiatives, emphasizing a 10-year tax holiday, easy profit repatriation, legal protections, and a stable regulatory environment.

"Kenya is open for business," President Ruto.