Mudavadi Downplays U.S. Senate Bill, Reaffirms Kenya’s Strong Ties with Washington

Nairobi, Kenya – August 8, 2025 — Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has moved to allay growing concerns that a recent bill introduced by a U.S. senator could jeopardise Kenya’s designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA). Appearing before the National Assembly’s Defence and Foreign Relations Committee, Mudavadi clarified that the bill is a private legislative proposal and does not reflect the official position of the U.S. government.

“There is no crisis between Kenya and the United States,” Mudavadi told lawmakers. “Our relationship remains strong, strategic, and mutually beneficial.”

Context: Private U.S. Bill Sparks Public Anxiety

The bill in question, introduced by U.S. Senator Cory Booker in July 2025, calls for a review of Kenya’s MNNA status, citing concerns over governance, human rights, and recent foreign policy alignments. Though still in committee and lacking bipartisan backing, the bill has raised eyebrows in Nairobi and triggered media speculation over a potential diplomatic rift.

Mudavadi categorically dismissed the notion of an impending fallout, reminding MPs that Kenya’s relationship with Washington is anchored in decades of cooperation, including:

• Joint counterterrorism operations in the Horn of Africa

• A growing defence partnership

• Negotiations for an Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP)

“Kenya Will Not Be Coerced”

Addressing the broader foreign policy implications, Mudavadi reiterated that Kenya retains full sovereignty in choosing its global partners and will not be pressured into adopting exclusive or unilateral alliances.

“Our foreign policy remains independent, pragmatic, and rooted in Kenya’s national interest,” he said. “We support multilateralism and welcome partnerships that deliver value, but no country can dictate the shape of our diplomacy.”

He also underscored that Kenya maintains some of the lowest average tariff rates in Africa, making it an attractive trading partner for the U.S. and other global economies.

Call for Calm and Strategic Engagement

Mudavadi urged lawmakers and the public to avoid panic, cautioning against overreaction to a bill that is unlikely to become law. He instead called for sustained focus on building economic resilience, strategic diplomacy, and diversified trade partnerships.

“Let’s focus on building, not reacting,” he told the committee. “Kenya’s development is best served by calm, informed engagement on the world stage.”

Analyst View: Much Ado About Politics?

Foreign policy experts largely agree with Mudavadi’s assessment. According to Dr. Linda Kobia, a lecturer in international relations at the University of Nairobi:

“Private bills in the U.S. Congress often reflect individual political agendas. Unless endorsed by the executive or the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, they carry limited diplomatic weight.”

Kobia added that Kenya’s MNNA status, granted in 2023 under President Joe Biden’s administration, has underpinned growing military and economic ties that neither side is eager to unwind.

Why This Matters

Kenya’s handling of the issue reflects its growing diplomatic maturity—seeking cooperation without submission, and dialogue over confrontation. While the U.S. bill may not progress, the moment has reaffirmed Nairobi’s intention to remain globally engaged, economically agile, and politically sovereign.