US lawmakers initiate review of Kenya’s Major Non-NATO Ally status

Washington, D.C. — 2025-09-06 EAT. US Senate amendment calls for a 180-day classified review of Kenya’s Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status following concerns over its foreign policy alignments and internal security issues.

The Latest

• Senator James Risch introduced Amendment S.Amdt.3628 in the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2026 to review Kenya’s MNNA status granted on June 24, 2024. The review must begin within 90 days and conclude with a report to Congress within 180 days.  .

• The review will cover Kenya’s relations with China, Russia, Iran, ties with non-state armed groups like al-Shabaab and RSF, use of US aid, and alignment on human rights.  .

• Status: developing.

Context in Brief

• Kenya became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain MNNA status—granting military and economic privileges—in June 2024 during President Ruto’s state visit to Washington.  .

• The designation offers benefits such as priority delivery of surplus US defense equipment, access to training, cooperative R&D, and DoD contract eligibility.  .

Law, Policy, and Process

• Constitution/Statutes: Amendment S.Amdt.3628 to S.2296 mandates the MNNA review process. It invokes inter-agency review and a classified Congressional report.  .

• Mandates:

  • Within 90 days of enactment, the Secretary of State, with Defense, Treasury, and the DNI, begins the review.

  • By 180 days, they must submit findings to relevant Senate and House committees.  .

• What should happen next: Kenya’s diplomats and leadership must engage proactively while awaiting report outcomes.

Voices and Stakeholders

• US Senate (Sen. Risch): Amendment introduced by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair James Risch.  .

• Analysts: Responsible Statecraft notes the move reflects wider US discomfort with Kenya’s shifting foreign alignments.  .

• Local impact: Kenyan officials have expressed confidence that US-Kenya ties will endure; analysts warn loss of MNNA status would disrupt modernization plans. (No direct quote available.)

Evidence & Data Box

• Numbers:

  • MNNA status granted: June 24, 2024.

  • Review timeline: starts within 90 days, report due within 180 days of enactment.  .

  • MNNA benefits include cooperative R&D, priority equipment access, training slots, DoD contracting.  .

• Documents:

  • Amendment S.Amdt.3628 text in Congressional Record.  .

• Verification: Reporting based on amendment text and corroborating media (AllAfrica, Citizen, etc.)  .

Risks and Implications

• Security: Loss of MNNA status would cut Kenya off from priority US defense support, training, and technological collaboration.

• Economy/Governance: Kenyan firms could lose DoD service contracts; military modernization could slow.

• Regional Diplomacy: U.S. re-evaluation may signal strategic realignment away from Kenya amid great power competition.

What We Don’t Know Yet

• Will the review result in revocation or reaffirmation of MNNA status?

• What defense or policy adjustments Kenya will present to US interlocutors?

• How long will internal Kenyan consultation take before responding?

• Which powers in Congress will influence the final decision?

• Will the report be made public or remain classified?

Timeline

• 2024-06-24: Kenya receives MNNA status.  .

• 2025-08-01: Amendment S.Amdt.3628 introduced.  .

• 2025-08-07: Media report details sweeping review provisions.  .

• 2025-09-06: Current wave of concern and political analysis stating status under threat.

What to Watch

• Which US-D.C. committees will prioritize Kenya’s review and what hearings may occur.

• Kenya’s government response or lobbying efforts.

• Signals from US State or Defense Departments regarding intent.

• External shifts, e.g., realignment in Kenya’s China/Russia policies.

• Official outcome from the review: reaffirmation or revocation of status.