War against terror at risk as US rethinks Kenya ties, experts say

The war on terrorism is likely to suffer a major blow should the United States review its relationship with Kenya.

The US has signaled intention to amend the National Defence Authorisation Act in protest of Kenya’s deteriorating human rights record, links to Sudan’s Rapid Forces (SRF) and Kenya’s wavering foreign policy.

Should the proposed changes pushed by Idaho Senator Jim Risch succeed, the fight against terror will encounter setbacks. 

Since one of the heaviest terror attacks on August 7, 1998 in Nairobi, that killed 212 people and a simultaneous one in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, killed 11 people the US government has been on the forefront leading counter-terrorism interventions through financial, intelligence, logistic and training support of law enforcement agencies. 

The twin bombings changed ties between Kenya and the US, which moved fast introducing several security measures that worked in favour of Nairobi. Besides enhanced cooperation on counter-terrorism efforts, the two countries moving forward prioritised sharing of intelligence, and conducted joint operations targeting terrorist groups. 

This mutual cooperation Kenya has led to significant gains in the war against terror, though Al Shabaab still poses threats with the latest incident reported on Tuesday in Garissa County where eight officers attached to Border Patrol Unit officers were injured after their armoured vehicle ran over an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by the insurgents at Kiwanja-Yumbis of Fafi sub county. 

Senator Risch, also chair of Senate Foreign Relations Committee while proposing amendments to the National Defence Authorisation Act, wants the US Congress to review the Major Non-Nato Ally (MNNA) status conferred on June 24, 2024 on Kenya last year by the Joe Biden administration.

The process should be undertaken within 90 days should the amendments sail through. Risch’s surprise proposal has elicited mixed reactions in Kenya with some supporting the move while others total opposed to the direction being taken by the US.

According to Vocal Africa Chief Executive Officer Hussein Khalid, the US is justified in withdrawing support since President William Ruto’s administration has been stifling democracy, silencing critics and killing protesters – actions that go against her membership to the Human Rights Council.

“As Vocal Africa and as partners, we agree with the proposed recommendation that Kenya should be removed as a member of the Council and stripped off the Major Non-Nato Ally status because we believe that international human rights standards must be respected by everyone,” said Khalid yesterday.

Prof Peter Kagwanja, the Chief Executive of the Africa Policy Institute, downplays the impact of Risch’s amendments. “There was nothing much we were reaping as a country from this MNNA arrangement, our alignments must be pragmatic as a country,” he says.

And within 180 days after enactment, the US must assess her relationship with Kenya on countering violent extremism, joint peace and security efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa and Haiti where Nairobi was to deployed about 1,000 police officers.

Despite continuous threats, interventions by US have greatly redefined counter-terrorism efforts. Washington, DC, has been providing training and support to Kenyan security agencies.

In her determination to win the war against terror, the US helped in establishing the National Counter-Terrorism Centre and Anti-Terror Police Unit. Locally, Kenya has stepped up surveillance efforts by investing in advanced security technologies. Kenya has also strengthened her cooperation with the US military by participating in joint exercises through the US Africa Command.

But some Kenyans have welcomed Senator Fisch’s proposal to review ties with Kenya. Senior Counsel Paul Muite and Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei cautioned Kenyans not to get excited by the proposed changes to the National Defence Authorisation Act.

Mr Sing’Oei was optimistic that before taking any punitive action, the US will consider Kenya’s independence and its interests. “No need to be too excited SC @Paul_Muite. The issues canvassed in the congressional bill will be comprehensively addressed,” the PS said.