The Chairman of the Defence, Intelligence & Foreign Relations Committee of Kenya’s National Assembly, Nelson Koech, has formally written to US Senator James Risch over US-Kenya partnerships.
In a strong-worded letter, Koech said that Kenya was committed to its partnerships with the US, addressing concerns that the country is shifting its allegiance toward China.
The lawmaker wrote in response to remarks Risch made during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on May 13, 2025.
Further, Koech has defended Kenya’s decades-long alliance with the United States and clarified its evolving global engagement strategy.
“With the utmost respect, your framing of Kenya’s current foreign policy posture, particularly in relation to China, appears to overlook the depth, consistency, and achievements of the U.S.–Kenya partnership.
“I believe it is necessary to remind ourselves of the broader and richer context of this relationship,” stated Koech in the letter.
Also Read: Ruto Offers to Serve as Mediator Between US and China
Nelson Koech Explains Why US-Kenya Ties are Strong
In the letter, Koech highlighted Kenya’s designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally, a status given to only a few African countries.
He also pointed to the bilateral cooperation in counterterrorism, peacekeeping in Somalia, and Kenya’s leadership in the Haiti Multinational Security Support Mission.
Moreover, the letter indicated that US had successful development initiatives in Kenya such as PEPFAR, as well as strong American private sector investments.
“Our partnership has extended well beyond security. Through PEPFAR, the United States has saved and transformed millions of Kenyan lives. Kenya is a flagship country in this global health success story.
“In education and research, American institutions like the CDC and USAID have partnered with our universities, hospitals, and NGOs to build lasting capacity. U.S. firms such as Microsoft, Google, Coca-Cola, General Electric, and IBM continue to invest and thrive in Kenya,” part of the letter read.
Also Read: Trump Moves to Counter China After Ruto’s Deals in Beijing
Koech Defends Ruto
To clarify President William Ruto’s statement describing Kenya and China as “co-architects of a new world order”, Koech clarified that the statement reflects Africa’s growing call for inclusion in shaping global systems, not a pivot away from the West.
“Kenya is calling for a more just global system, one where Africa contributes meaningfully to international governance and economic policy. This aspiration mirrors President Trump’s own push for reform within global institutions,” he said.
According to Koech, Ruto’s ambitions are similar to US President Donald Trump’s vision that demands fairer terms of trade and structures that support American interests.
Furthermore, the Belgut legislator said that Kenya shares in Trump’s efforts to reform international institutions, arguing that Kenya’s push for climate justice and fairer trade rules reflects the same desire for equity and reform within global governance.
“Kenya is asking for the same, not to dismantle multilateralism, but to rebuild it on principles of equity and shared responsibility,” he explained.
Moreover, he invited Senator Risch and members of his committee to visit Kenya and engage directly with its leaders and citizens.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
