Ruto Breaks Silence On MAJOR Non-NATO Ally Review, Lauds Kenya-China Relations
Following an increasing diplomatic spat with the United States, Kenyan President William Ruto has stated that the country’s tight connections with China are in its best interests.
Speaking at a roundtable session with the private sector on Wednesday morning, Kenya’s Head of State expressed confidence in the country’s diplomatic relations with China.
He emphasized the government’s determination to continue cooperating with the Asian superpower.
He stated that, while some international allies were dissatisfied with Kenya’s recent diplomatic initiatives, notably those involving trade agreements with China, they were for the benefit of all Kenyans.
According to him, Kenya’s bilateral connections with China are deep, and various agreements have already been signed for the benefit of both countries.
“It is what I must do for Kenya,” President Ruto defends closer ties with China pic.twitter.com/6Qz4LwN9V7
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) August 6, 2025
Ruto emphasized Kenya’s willingness to take advantage of the accords signed with Xi Jinping’s government, which include open market access and infrastructure development.
The President went on to say that the strategic partnership had severely damaged Kenya’s relations with certain of its allies.
Ruto also admitted to getting objections from several international partners regarding Kenya’s close connections with China.
“We have concluded the high-level conversation with China, and they have agreed to a reciprocal agreement. They have agreed to remove all the tariffs on our tea, avocado and other agricultural exports,” Ruto said.
“We are now finalising the bilateral instruments so that in the next couple of months, we should be able to take advantage of that huge market,” he added.
“It is partly why I have a bit of a problem with some of our friends, but it is in the best interest of Kenya.”
During the discussion, the Head of State emphasized that his administration’s foreign policy was driven by Kenya’s economic interests rather than geopolitical conflicts.
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Meanwhile, Ruto’s comments come just hours after President Donald Trump’s administration called for an immediate review of Kenya’s Non-NATO Ally status.
A congressional directive, sponsored by US Senator James Risch, was issued, requiring US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to reassess Kenya’s diplomatic status with America within 90 days.
President Ruto’s closeness to China raises alarm in Washington
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) May 15, 2025
“It’s time to reassess our relationship with Kenya and others who forge tight bonds with China,” Senator James Risch pic.twitter.com/L3mDCB5gSi
The US government will examine important issues concerning Kenya’s domestic and diplomatic policies.
This encompasses the country’s diplomatic alignment and peacekeeping contributions in the Sub-Saharan region and around the world.
Ruto Breaks Silence On MAJOR Non-NATO Ally Review, Lauds Kenya-China Relations
