The United States Congress is set to review Kenya’s designation as a major non-North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally just months after the country received the status.
This is after US Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairperson Jim Risch proposed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.
Risch wants Kenya's designation as a non-NATO ally reviewed by the US Secretary of State, in coordination with other officials, within 90 days, and a report submitted to Congress within 180 days after the enactment of the Act.
“In General.--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,” the proposal reads in part.
The Idaho Senator says the review will assess Kenya’s relationship with the US in countering violent extremism, achieving and maintaining peace and security in Sub-Saharan Africa, and in Haiti, as a United Nations peacekeeping troop contributing country, and as an economic partner.
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The review will also assess Kenya's military and diplomatic engagements with China, Russia, and Iran.
“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.
“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,” the proposal states.
Further, the review will scrutinize the relationships of the Kenyan Government and key officials of Kenya with violent extremist organizations, including the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and al-Shabaab.
Additionally, the review will assess Kenya's use of US security assistance and intelligence support and sharing, including the potential impact on state and non-state-sponsored actions against civilians such as abductions, torture, renditions, and other forms of violence.
Kenya was designated a non-NATO ally in June 2024 during the administration of former US President Joe Biden.
The designation made Kenya the first sub-Saharan nation to receive major non-NATO ally status, enabling it to acquire more sophisticated weaponry from the United States and engage in closer security cooperation.
