Kenya could lose its increased access to military support from the United States over its rising dalliance with China.
This follows a threat from the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch, hinting at withdrawing Kenya’s major non-North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) ally status granted by former President Joe Biden last year.
Senator Risch on Wednesday, May 21, stated that as a consequence of Kenya's warming relations with China, arguably the greatest competitor to the United States, the world's superpower, should withdraw its support to Kenya.
While referencing a post between Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guyo Haiyen and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Chairperson Cecily Mbarire, Risch termed the alliance as a problem for the US.
“Kenya plays a vital role in regional counter-insurgency and stability. But as our newest Major Non-NATO Ally, Kenya's ties with China are troubling,” Risch stated.
"Widened diplomacy" with America's greatest competitor is not an alliance—it’s a risk for the US to assess,” he further added.
In June last year, Kenya was extended non-NATO ally status by former US President Joe Biden, which meant closer security cooperation with the 32 member states, including the US.
NATO is the largest military alliance in the world. Other powerful members of NATO include the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy and Canada.
The move by Biden elevated Kenya’s continental military status as it became the first sub-Saharan country to receive such membership.
As a non-NATO ally, Kenya is eligible to purchase US military technology and munition systems more easily and with fewer restrictions. Also, there is a possible priority delivery of US military surplus.
Furthermore, there are joint training exercises in which Kenya would benefit from greater participation in collaborative military training, counter-insurgency operations, and peacekeeping missions alongside US forces.
In addition, the partnership grants Kenya eligibility for US government loan guarantees to finance the purchase of defence equipment.
Among other military benefits, Kenya would be able to access sophisticated munitions from the United States and engage in closer security cooperation with the world’s superpower.
This is not the first time Senator Risch has slammed Kenya’s relations with China. On May 13, Risch called for a reassessment of the relationship between Kenya and the US.
Responding to President William Ruto's recent visit to Beijing, Senator Risch warned that Kenya’s deepening partnership with China signals more than just an economic partnership and could indicate a shift in global allegiances.
