Kenya has dismissed US concerns over its growing ties with China, affirming its strong US partnership while pursuing a foreign policy based on mutual benefit and sovereignty.
In a formal response to the U.S. Senate, Nairobi clarified that it is broadening its global relations to advance national interests, not abandoning traditional allies.
These accusations surfaced during a U.S. Senate hearing led by Senator Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, who criticized Kenya’s foreign policy under President William Ruto, particularly its growing engagement with China.
Speaking on May 13 during the hearing titled ‘East Africa & The Horn: At A Turning Point or Breaking Point?’, Risch said, “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.”
He added, “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.”
Risch’s concerns reflect unease over Kenya’s apparent pivot from Western alliances toward Beijing amid domestic unrest linked to tax hikes aimed at addressing its debt owed to China.
Kenya’s response
In response to the growing allegations against Kenya, Nelson Koech, lawmaker and chairperson of the National Assembly’s Defence, Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Committee, affirmed that the country is not shifting allegiance but advocating for broader global engagement.
“President Ruto’s reference to Kenya and China as ‘co-architects of a new world order’ must be viewed as an assertion of Africa’s right to shape its future, not as a pivot in allegiance,” Koech wrote in a letter to Senator Jim Risch on Monday.
“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.”
“Your framing of Kenya’s current foreign policy posture, particularly in relation to China, appears to overlook the depth, consistency and achievements of the US-Kenya partnership,” Koech added. “I believe it is necessary to remind ourselves of the broader and richer context of this relationship.” Koech added.
Ruto’s interest in China
The U.S. criticism follows President William Ruto’s recent state visit to China, the first by an African leader this year.
At a public lecture at Peking University in Beijing, Ruto called for a fairer global system, saying, “Kenya and China are not merely trading partners. They are co-architects of a new world order, one that is fair, inclusive and sustainable.”
He added, “Let us measure our success, not in GDP growth or in trade volumes, but in how many lives we uplift and how much dignity we restore.”
During the four-day visit, Ruto met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where they elevated Kenya-China relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Chinese Envoy to Kenya, Ambassador Guo highlighted that Ruto was the first African leader invited for a state visit following the 2024 FOCAC summit.
The two countries agreed to implement FOCAC outcomes and align China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Kenya’s Vision 2030.
They also signed 20 cooperation agreements across sectors, including extending the Standard Gauge Railway to the Ugandan border to boost regional connectivity.
