Koech: Kenya wants partnership not pressure from US

Nelson Koech, chairperson of Defence, Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Committee, has issued a direct rebuttal to United States Senator Jim Risch over concerns about Kenya’s relationship with China, saying the country seeks partnership, not pressure.

Senator Risch, who chairs the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, questioned Kenya’s loyalty during a hearing on May 13, referring to President William Ruto’s statement that Kenya and China are “co architects of a new world order.”

“We must stop building US policy in Africa around individual leaders and instead focus on strengthening institutions, expanding private sector ties and empowering the region’s young populations,” Risch said during the hearing.

"That is not just alignment with China, it is an allegiance. Relying on leaders who embrace Beijing so openly is an error,’’ he said, adding, "It is time to reassess our relations with Kenya and others who forge tight bonds with China."

Risch’s remarks followed Ruto’s state visit to China where he [Ruto] announced more than 20 trade deals and signed memorandums of understanding covering roads, agriculture, health, education and information technology. 

In a detailed rejoinder, Koech said Ruto’s comments should be seen as an assertion of Africa’s right to shape its future, not a pivot in allegiance.

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“Kenya is calling for a more just global system, one where Africa contributes meaningfully to international governance and economic policy,” said Koech.

He said Kenya’s appeal mirrors the approach once taken by former President Donald Trump, who pushed for reform in global institutions and called for fairer terms for the United States.

“We are not seeking to dismantle multilateralism, but to rebuild it on principles of equity and shared responsibility,” noted Koech.

Koech stressed that Kenya values its long-standing relationship with the United States. He said Kenya remains a major non NATO ally, noting joint efforts in security, diplomacy and economic growth.

“Kenyans are proud to be a major non NATO ally of the United States, one of a few in Africa. This status was earned through years of cooperation in counterterrorism, peacekeeping and diplomacy,” he said.

He also cited Kenya’s leadership in the Haiti Multinational Security Support Mission, its peacekeeping record in Somalia and its ongoing trade talks with Washington as proof of deep US Kenya ties.

Koech further noted that American investments in Kenya remain strong, with companies including  Microsoft, Coca Cola and IBM thriving in the country.

He also credited the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief with saving millions of lives in Kenya.

 “If there is a reassessment to be made, then let it be one that recognises sovereignty, agency and mutual benefit,” said Koech.

 “Kenya is not walking away from the United States. We are widening our diplomatic space as every nation has the right to do,” he added.

 Koech invited Risch and members of the Senate committee to visit Kenya and see its position first-hand.