- President Ruto’s recent China visit has sparked debate among US senators over Kenya’s foreign policy direction.
- Ruto described China and Kenya as “co-architects of a new world order,” a phrase that alarmed Washington.
- Senator Jim Risch questioned Kenya’s loyalty and called for a reassessment of US-Kenya ties.
President William Ruto’s official trip to China has caught the attention of US lawmakers, who are now questioning where Kenya truly stands in the tug-of-war between global superpowers. While in Beijing, Ruto described Kenya and China as partners reshaping the future world order—remarks that did not sit well with officials in Washington.
Senator Risch Criticizes Kenya’s Shift in Tone
Republican Senator Jim Risch, a top voice on the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, publicly criticized Ruto’s statements. According to Risch, calling China a co-architect of a new global order isn’t just friendly diplomacy—it signals possible realignment. He argued that such comments warrant a serious review of the US relationship with Kenya.
“When a major non-NATO ally speaks that way about China, we have to reconsider our engagement,” Risch stated.
US Cautions Against Leaning Too Far East
Ruto’s praise for China comes less than a year after the US hosted him in Washington and officially upgraded Kenya to a non-NATO ally, granting key security privileges. Over the years, Kenya has been an important counterterrorism partner, especially in East Africa, where it works alongside the US against extremist groups like al-Shabaab.
But now, with Ruto embracing ties with Beijing so openly, US leaders worry this could weaken their longstanding cooperation in security and trade.
Kenya Defends Its Neutral Foreign Policy
In response to the criticism, Ruto has stood by his foreign policy approach. Since taking office, he has promoted Kenya as a neutral actor—willing to work with both global powers without choosing sides. He noted that his China visit was just as significant as his previous US trip, underlining Kenya’s role as a global bridge.
Ruto insists that Kenya’s focus is on opportunities, not taking part in geopolitical rivalries.
China-Kenya Economic Ties Continue to Grow
China is not only Kenya’s largest source of imports but also a major player in key infrastructure projects across the country. As Beijing continues to deepen trade links in Africa, Kenya remains one of its most important partners in the region.
The collaboration between the two nations spans roads, railways, and development projects that have transformed Kenya’s landscape in recent years.
Kenya Balancing Between Two Global Powers
As tensions between Washington and Beijing rise globally, Kenya finds itself walking a tightrope. Ruto’s effort to maintain strong relations with both nations is becoming a test case for African diplomacy. However, the US may start to reevaluate its partnerships if leaders on the continent appear to lean more toward China.
For now, Kenya’s challenge lies in keeping both allies engaged—without losing the trust of either.
