In June 2024, the United States designated Kenya as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) – a rare and strategic diplomatic move that elevated Kenya’s status as the first Sub-Saharan African country to receive such recognition. The designation was part of a broader strategy to deepen military cooperation, counterterrorism collaboration, and economic partnerships in East Africa, particularly amid growing competition with China and Russia in the region.
However, President William Ruto’s April 2025 visit to China and his public endorsement of a “New World Order” widely interpreted as aligning with anti-Western multipolar narratives has triggered concern in Washington, potentially jeopardizing the MNNA status.
Ruto in his keynote address said, “Kenya and China are not merely trade partners; we are co-architects of a new world order – one that is fair, inclusive, and sustainable.”
Angered by the remarks; US Senator and the chairperson of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Jim Risch, termed Ruto’s comment questionable.
“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…Relying on leaders who embrace Beijing so openly is an error. It’s time to reassess our relationship with Kenya and others who forge tight bonds with China,” said Senator Risch.
What this means to Kenya Major Non-Nato Status
While Major Non-Nato ally does not guarantee mutual defense, it offers key strategic benefits, including access to U.S. military technology and training, priority delivery of defense articles and surplus equipment, joint military training and cooperation and a greater access to U.S. defense financing programs.
In the April 2024 Defense cooperation, US among other agreements announced Kenya would participate and host the largest U.S Military exercises in Africa.
Additionally, America announced delivery of 16 US manufactured Military Helicopters which would include 8 Huey’s and 8 MD-500s with delivery set to be in phases up until mid of 2025.
However, that pact has not been fulfilled up to date. A change in America’s leadership further threatening the Kenya-US relations. Unlike his predecessor Joe Biden, President Donald Trump does not prioritize Kenya’s interests. It’s America first.
China in the mix
Ruto’s “New World Order” remarks made in the presence of key Chinese officials including President XI Jin Ping could have been perceived by the US as a subtle endorsement of China’s challenge to U.S.-led global supremacy.
While Ruto’s calculus play the diversification card of attempting to hedge Kenya’s foreign policy in avoiding overdependence on either bloc, the US now views Ruto’s China visit and comments as a policy dualism which undermines existing trust in the relations.
Washington has openly expressed that strategic ambiguity from allies especially on matters involving China or Russia are a threat to coherent foreign policy objectives, particularly in defense and intelligence sharing.
As an MNNA, Kenya is privy to classified cooperation, especially in counterterrorism where it has its soldiers in Somalia against the Al-Shabaab and the Kenya led Haiti mission against gangs.
Ruto’s utterances pose an indication that Kenya might pivot or become susceptible to influence from China’s military and intelligence architecture which now could trigger a reevaluation of its status.
Ruto’s major alignment with China roots from debt relief diplomacy approach where Nairobi views favorable treatment from China and BRICS more attractive than U.S.-driven austerity policies.
Delicate diplomatic balance
Kenya’s deepening ties with China may not suggest a gradual pivot eastward.
However, open flirtations with “alternative world orders” risk sending the wrong message to Washington.
US Senator Jim Risch while inviting the US senate to interrogate Ruto’s recent move said “That’s not just alignment with China—it’s allegiance. Relying on leaders who so openly embrace Beijing is a mistake.”
If the US resolve to review its status with Kenya and maybe a consideration to Kenya losing of the MNNA status that would include significant consequences.
In the wake of Ruto’s continued trigger, the U.S. could scale back funding for military modernization, including joint operations and counterterrorism assistance.
Kenya might face restrictions on access to classified military technology and cybersecurity tools.
Also, joint military operations under US-Kenya cooperation in places such as Lamu, Garissa, and AMISOM could be downscaled.
The bigger security loss would a back scale of US-Kenya intelligence sharing.
The U.S. under President Donald Trump has proven to be a lethal ally and more triggers by Nairobi through its leadership might reduce its trust in Kenya as a frontline ally in the Horn of Africa security strategy.
Nairobi reassures Washington
In early May 2025, Kenya’s foreign affairs cabinet secretary Musalia Mudavadi was in the US for an official visit meeting with secretary of state Marco Rubio.
The move seen as a Diplomatic Reassurance in clarifying dialogues with Washington and reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to shared values on security and development.
The U.S Department of State through a statement by Spokesperson Tammy Bruce on May 7 stated that the US recognized Kenya’s longstanding role in promoting peace and security in Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and the DRC, Kenya’s leadership of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to Haiti, and the close partnership to counter al-Shabaab. Rubio affirming US-Kenya bilateral relationship.
Kenya faces an uphill task in a balancing act to remain non-aligned but cooperative while maintaining both China and U.S. partnerships, through diplomatic transparency.
Losing MNNA status would be a strategic setback for Kenya, with ripple effects on defense capabilities, global perception, and its positioning as a regional power.
Ruto’s comments in China may have triggered a temporary friction, but whether that evolves into a diplomatic rupture depends on how Nairobi recalibrates its messaging and commitments.
In an increasingly bipolar world, Kenya’s challenge will be to benefit from both East and West without burning bridges.
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