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Review of US ally status no reason to brand Kenya a rogue state – Nyamita
06th August, 2025 08:16 AM
The ongoing review of Kenya’s status as a Major Non-NATO Ally by the United States has triggered debate, with Uriri Member of Parliament (MP) Mark Nyamita urging calm and perspective.
Speaking during a televised interview on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Nyamita noted that while the designation brings strategic benefits to Kenya, it is also significantly advantageous to the United States. He warned against overreacting to the review, adding that it should not be used as grounds to label Kenya negatively on the global stage.
Kenya’s designation benefits both nations, not just Kenya. “Whereas being designated a non-NATO ally offers Kenya certain strategic advantages, it is equally, if not more, beneficial to the United States,” Nyamita stated.
He added that the possible removal of this status should not prompt conclusions that Kenya is a rogue or failed state, especially considering that the country has only held the designation for a year.
In July 2023, the US named Kenya a Major Non-NATO Ally — a status that gives countries certain defence and trade privileges with the United States but does not include mutual defence commitments. The current review of Kenya’s eligibility comes amid growing scrutiny over Kenya’s internal policies and its involvement in international security matters, including its recent agreement to deploy police officers to Haiti.
According to Nyamita, the review should be seen as a diplomatic process and not an indictment.
“The review serves as a reminder that our actions, both internal and external, are being closely observed by the international community,” he said, urging leaders to focus on maintaining transparency, accountability, and constructive foreign relations.
Diplomatic weight
Governance analyst Javas Bigambo, who was also on the show, noted that while Kenya has not been materially dependent on the Major Non-NATO Ally status, the title carried symbolic significance.
“The issue of the US reconsidering Kenya’s status as a major non-NATO ally is significant.
“The conferment was made barely a year ago, and while Kenya has not necessarily depended on that status, it still held considerable symbolic and diplomatic value in the relationship between the two countries,” he said.
As the review continues, both panellists emphasise the importance of focusing on Kenya’s broader foreign policy and internal governance practices, which ultimately shape how the country is perceived on the international stage.
