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CWA # 1442, 14 August 2024
NIAS Africa Studies
Kenya’s non-NATO ally designation by the US | Explained

  Vetriselvi Baskaran

On 24 June, US President Joe Biden vowed to designate Kenya as a “major non-NATO ally.” His announcement came during the Kenyan President William Ruto’s three-day visit to the US. Biden detailed the decision as a “fulfilment of years of collaboration.” Biden and Ruto stated that the announcement “is a powerful symbol of the close relationship.”

A brief background on Kenya-US relations
The US-Kenya shared diplomatic relations since the latter gained independence from the UK in 1963. In 2018, countries elevated their strategic partnership and held a Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD). In 2020, Kenya received USD 560 million from the US as peace and security assistance. Over the past three years, Kenya purchased over USD 139 million worth of US military equipment. The US supports the Kenya Defence Force (KDF) in terms of counterterrorism, border security, aviation security, maritime security (including the newly established Kenyan Coast Guard), peacekeeping support, and broader professionalization efforts. Kenya would receive eight Hueys and MD500s before 2025 to boost its regional peacekeeping missions. The US is planning to upgrade Manda Bay airfield in northern Kenya and is in the process of joining the operation Gallant Phoenix, a multinational initiative in Jordan. Through the operation, Kenya would receive information on terrorist threats. 

What does it mean by Kenya’s non-NATO ally designation?
Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) designation is given to countries not part of NATO. It underlines the high-level trust, and access to military and financial advantages without the full-fledged advantages of a NATO member. Kenya gained this designation as the fourth African country and first in sub-Saharan Africa. It would allow Kenya to obtain more sophisticated weapons, training, and loans to augment defence expenses from the US. In addition, Kenya becomes eligible to access loans to buy cooperative research and evaluation equipment, a site to stockpile US war reserves, and depleted uranium ammunition. 

What are the US’ extended objectives through Kenya?
The US’ major objective is to provide security assistance in East Africa through Kenya. It includes professionalizing the Kenyan military force, boosting counterterrorism and border security capabilities, increasing Kenya’s maritime awareness, and improving peacekeeping capabilities. Since 2011, Kenya has been fighting the al-Shabaab militancy in Somalia. A US military base in Kenya’s coastal county of Lamu has been the major support for this operation. In addition, the US aims to limit the Russian and Chinese influence in East Africa by boosting ties with Kenya. Additionally, in July 2024, Kenya deployed around 400 police officers in Haiti as part of a UN-backed initiative. This move aligns with the US’ broader foreign policy goals of strengthening regional stability. 

How would the non-NATO designation help Kenya?
Kenya’s objectives in its relationship with the US entail security, economy, and cooperation in humanitarian efforts. Kenya aims to advance its military capabilities to fight terrorism with US support. Security assistance from the US includes training, equipment, and advisory support to the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). Kenya further seeks to bolster digital security and cyber security capabilities as it faces cyberattacks. According to the Cybersecurity Report for January to March 2024 published by the National Kenya Computer Incident Response Team – Coordination Centre, Kenya saw almost 970 million cyber-attacks. During Ruto’s visit, both countries agreed to share information and foster collaboration in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The US would provide policy and regulatory advisory services to Kenya. 

Kenya seeks to expand trade and investments through initiatives such as the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP). Attracting private sector investment from the US is also one of Kenya’s objectives, particularly in sectors like renewable energy, manufacturing and digital technology. Kenya further wants to secure US assistance for debt relief and financing. Besides, promoting democratic governance and human rights is one of the factors. Kenya seeks assistance in terms of resources from the US in managing humanitarian challenges as it hosts refugees and asylum seekers. 

US’ designation of Kenya as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) is seen as a recognition of a strategic partner and its role as a security partner in the region. Further, the status benefited the earlier African members including Tunisia, Egypt, and Morocco. It is anticipated that Kenya would benefit in advancing its defence sector and achieving its counterterrorism efforts. This would also provide the US space to contain increasing Chinese and Russian footprints in the region. 

About the author
Vetriselvi Baskaran is a Research Assistant at NIAS.

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