Kenya urged to clarify stance amid US-China geopolitical tensions
By Faith Lagat, August 10, 2025As geopolitical tensions between the United States and China intensify, regional expert Edgar Githua has urged Kenya to clearly define its foreign policy stance to avoid being caught in the crossfire of global power dynamics.
Speaking on a local TV station on August 10, 2025, Githua stressed the delicate balancing act the country faces in safeguarding strategic partnerships amid mounting U.S. concerns over its engagements with Beijing.
Caught between two powers
Githua observed that Kenya is navigating a complex diplomatic terrain, as both Washington and Beijing remain crucial to its development and security goals. “Kenya is not only caught up in a trade tiff but also a geopolitical power play between the USA and China,” he said. “The USA feels like China is encroaching on its turf, and Kenya is caught between a rock and a hard place.”
He noted that as a sovereign state, Kenya must pursue its own national interests, drawing benefits from both powers where possible. “There are interests that the US will help us fulfil, and there are interests China will help us fulfil.
“It is that delicate balancing act that we are caught in between, and we need as a country to navigate so that we do not end up losing one for the other because we need both for various reasons,” he added.
Diplomatic pressures mount
His comments come amid heightened scrutiny of Kenya’s recently conferred Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status, following a proposed review in the U.S. Congress.
Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has sought to allay concerns, explaining that the review, introduced by Senator James Risch, is part of a legislative process and not a directive from the U.S. executive branch. “It is therefore important to view such developments within their proper institutional context,” Mudavadi told the National Assembly Committee on Regional Integration.
Meanwhile, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto’s administration of mishandling foreign relations, claiming Kenya risks becoming a pariah state over alleged links with non-state armed groups and foreign terrorist organisations cited in Risch’s bill.
Call for back-channel diplomacy
Githua underscored the importance of proactive and well-informed diplomacy. “Before any diplomatic or foreign policy pronouncements are made, try and do a little background check… what possible repercussions could come out if I mention this or that?” he said.
He urged Kenya to reassure the U.S. of its loyalty while managing relations with other global players. “The key thing for our nation state is to understand that you do not lose your allies as you’re making new friends,” he said. “Kenya needs to quickly, through back-channel diplomacy, reach out to the U.S. and reassure them, ‘We’re still your strategic partners.’ This is what’s going on with China and other countries so that we do not get caught in between misperceptions in foreign policy orientation.”
As Kenya navigates these choppy diplomatic waters, experts warn that clarity and strategic communication will be critical in protecting its global standing.