Kenya’s relationship with the United States could be strained following recent remarks by President William Ruto during his trip to China.
US Senator Jim Risch, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has expressed serious concerns about Kenya’s increasing closeness to China.
He suggested that this growing partnership might not just be about trade and development, but could also signal a shift in Kenya’s global loyalties.
Speaking on Tuesday, May 13, during a Senate hearing focused on East Africa and the Horn of Africa, Senator Risch addressed Ruto’s visit to Beijing.
He specifically referenced Ruto’s comments in which the Kenyan President described China and Kenya as “co-architects of a new world order.”
According to Risch, this statement raises red flags and shows a deeper alignment with China, one that may challenge the longstanding relationship between Kenya and the US.
“This isn’t just economic cooperation,” Risch warned. “When the president of a country that is considered a major non-NATO ally says something like that, it implies more than friendly ties—it suggests loyalty to a rival global power.
That kind of allegiance should concern us deeply.” He emphasized that he would be submitting the full text of Ruto’s speech to the Senate record to highlight the seriousness of the matter.
Risch went on to say that depending on leaders who openly show support for Beijing could lead the US down a risky path.
He insisted that now is the time to thoroughly review America’s relationship with Kenya and other nations that are increasingly aligning themselves with China’s influence.
President Ruto’s visit to China in April resulted in multiple agreements between the two nations. The deals covered various sectors including agriculture, green energy, technology, and trade.
China also made commitments to quickly implement these agreements.
While these partnerships might seem beneficial for Kenya in the short term, the Senator suggested they might carry long-term geopolitical consequences that the US must take seriously.
Risch cautioned the US government against shaping its African policies around individual leaders. He argued that placing trust and investment in certain presidents could be a mistake, especially if those leaders start leaning more toward rival nations like China.
Instead, he urged the US to build stronger ties with Africa by investing in lasting institutions, growing private sector relationships, and empowering the continent’s large and youthful population.
“We have to stop building our policy in Africa around a few prominent individuals,” he stated. “It’s more important to help build durable democratic institutions, encourage business development, and support young people who represent the future of the region.”
The Senator emphasized the need for US-Africa partnerships that promote long-term growth, peace, and democratic progress.
He warned that forming quick deals with specific leaders might seem attractive, but such relationships might not always serve the US’s long-term strategic goals.
He concluded by saying that the US must carefully evaluate its partnerships across Africa. In some cases, he said, the governments in power may not be fully legitimate or committed to values the US stands for, which raises serious questions about whether continued engagement is a wise investment for American taxpayers.
“This is about protecting America’s interests abroad while also making sure we are spending wisely,” Risch said. “Our strategy must be broad, smart, and focused on genuine allies—not just short-term friendships.”
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