The proposal in the US Congress to review Kenya’s designation as a non-NATO ally just a year after the status was granted, has caused a stir. At the heart of the bid is Kenya’s perceived closeness to China, Russia and Iran.
President William Ruto responded to US views, terming the relationship with China pragmatic, beneficial and in line with Nairobi’s national interests.
Kenya’s deepening ties with the Asian giant reflects a complex interplay of economic, geopolitical and developmental priorities that have positioned China as a more strategic partner in recent years.
China's President Xi Jinping (L) and his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto shake hands during the high-level meeting on the Belt and Road Initiative that he co-chaired at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit in Beijing, China on September 5, 2024.
Photo credit: PCS
China is Kenya’s largest investment partner, with bilateral trade soaring from $186.37 million in 2002 to at least $3.9 billion in 2023.This trade relationship is bolstered by Chinese investments in infrastructure, such as the Mombasa-Nairobi-Naivasha standard gauge railway, Nairobi Expressway and Thika highway.
These projects align with Kenya’s Vision 2030, aiming to transform the country into a middle-income economy.
China’s willingness to provide large-scale financing offers Kenya access to capital without the stringent conditions often attached to Western aid. China’s focus on sectors like agriculture, ICT, and renewable energy facilitates technology transfer and market access for Kenyan goods like tea, flowers and avocado to Chinese consumers.
The stalled US-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership – which succeeded the previous trade talks – largely stressed facilitation of trade, the digital economy and support for micro, small and medium enterprises.
The US approach prioritises governance, anti-corruption and training in areas like counter-terrorism and judicial reforms. While these are valuable, they do not match the immediate impact of China’s infrastructure-driven model.
Moreover, aid – which has dramatically reduced under President Trump – comes with conditions which some Kenyan policymakers view as restrictive.
China’s economic engagement is, therefore, more strategic for Kenya due to its scale, speed and alignment with the East African country’s infrastructure needs. The Belt and Road Initiative’s focus on tangible projects like the SGR directly addresses Kenya’s connectivity gaps, enhancing its role as the East African economic hub.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kenyan President William Ruto attend a welcome ceremony at The Great Hall of The People on April 24, 2025, in Beijing, China.
While offering long-term training and trade opportunities, the US lacks the financial heft and rapid project implementation, making it less immediately impactful for Kenya’s development goals. Additionally, while the US supports regional peace initiatives and refugee integration, which indirectly bolster economic stability for Kenya, these actions do not deliver the visible, transformative infrastructure that projects by China provide.
China has positioned itself as a partner of choice for the Global South, emphasising “win-win” cooperation and non-interference in domestic affairs, which resonates with Kenya’s desire for sovereignty. The Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, upgraded in 2017, supports Kenya’s regional influence and aligns with China’s broader goals.
Additionally, China’s support for Kenya’s role in multilateral forums like the UN and its non-alignment stance provide diplomatic space for Kenya to navigate global geopolitics.
Flipping matters, the US-Kenya partnership, focuses on mutual respect, counter-terrorism and regional stability, particularly in the Horn of Africa. Kenya’s designation as a major non-NATO ally underscores its importance to US interests, particularly in countering terrorism and promoting democracy.
US President Donald Trump.
Photo credit: Reuters
However, renewed US criticism of Kenya’s ties with China reflects tensions over geopolitical balancing. Washington’s ideological focus on democracy and human rights can strain relations when Kenya prioritises economic pragmatism over governance reforms.
While both partnerships face criticism, with China’s stemming from perceived economic dependency; the US criticism poses a more immediate geopolitical risk, potentially isolating Kenya from Western support.
China has become a more strategic development partner for Kenya due to its ability to deliver large-scale infrastructure, flexible financing and non-interference in domestic affairs.
The US offers valuable security and governance support but lacks the scale and speed of China’s investments. Besides, America’s conditional aid and recent criticisms constrain Kenya’s strategic autonomy.
Kenya’s challenge now lies in its adeptness to balance these relationships to maximise development while mitigating geopolitical and economic risks.
Dr. Adhere Cavince is a scholar of international relations with a focus on China-Africa development cooperation. X: @Cavinceworld
