U.S. Senators Push for Review of Kenya’s Major Non-NATO Ally Status Over Human Rights Concerns

Washington, D.C. – August 6, 2025

A bipartisan coalition of U.S. senators is calling on the Department of State to reassess Kenya’s designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA), citing deepening concerns over the East African nation’s human rights record, democratic backsliding, and use of force against civilians.

The push comes just weeks after Kenyan security forces came under fire for their handling of anti-tax protests that left more than two dozen demonstrators dead and scores injured — sparking domestic outcry and international scrutiny.

Letter to Blinken: Time to Reevaluate the Alliance

In a letter sent Tuesday to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the senators — led by Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) and Sen. Jim Risch (R-ID) — urged the Biden administration to “reconsider the strategic implications” of the MNNA status granted to Kenya in May 2024. The designation elevated Nairobi as a key security partner eligible for priority defense cooperation and access to U.S. military technology.

“While Kenya remains a vital partner in counterterrorism and regional stability, recent developments raise serious questions about its commitment to shared democratic values,” the letter states.

The lawmakers cited documented cases of police brutality, restrictions on civil liberties, and concerns over media freedom, noting that such actions run contrary to the principles underpinning MNNA partnerships.

Kenya’s MNNA Status: A Historic but Conditional Move

Kenya became the first sub-Saharan African nation to receive MNNA designation — a symbolic and strategic move aimed at deepening U.S. military and diplomatic ties in a region grappling with rising extremism and growing Chinese and Russian influence.

However, experts note that MNNA status is not a treaty alliance and can be revoked or modified at any time by the U.S. President. While the designation grants benefits — such as participation in cooperative defense R&D and priority access to surplus military equipment — it also comes with expectations regarding governance, rule of law, and civilian oversight of the military.

Broader Implications for U.S.–Kenya Relations

The senators’ call reflects growing tension within Washington over how to balance strategic interests with democratic principles in U.S. foreign policy, especially in Africa, where authoritarian drift has become more visible across several states.

Kenya, long seen as a stable anchor in the Horn of Africa, has faced rising criticism for its response to public dissent, especially during the 2024–2025 anti-tax protests, where police were accused of using lethal force and abducting human rights activists.

Civil society groups in both Kenya and the U.S. have welcomed the senators’ move, urging Congress to hold Nairobi accountable without undermining bilateral cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism, peacekeeping, and trade.

“We cannot fight authoritarianism abroad while turning a blind eye to it among our allies,” said a policy director at Freedom House.

State Department Yet to Respond

As of Wednesday morning, the U.S. State Department had not issued an official response to the senators’ letter. Analysts suggest the review process — if initiated — could involve consultations with intelligence, defense, and diplomatic stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has remained silent on the matter. However, a senior official speaking on condition of anonymity said the government is “confident in the strength and mutual respect that underpins U.S.–Kenya relations.”