Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has sought to reassure Kenyans and international partners following a proposed bill in the US Senate that threatens to revoke Kenya’s status as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA).
Speaking to the Regional Integration Committee chaired by Nominated MP Irene Mayaka, Mudavadi dismissed claims that Kenya’s trade relations with Iran and Russia warranted alarm. The bill, introduced by US Senator Jim Risch, cited Kenya’s engagements with China, Iran, and Russia, and alleged links to rebel groups in Africa.
Mudavadi, however, stressed that the concerns originated from a single senator not the US executive branch. “Kenya is a sovereign state and must be free to engage with any nation in the interest of its people,” he said, adding that neither he nor President William Ruto had made official visits to Moscow or Tehran.
He called for measured discussion, warning against politicising foreign partnerships. “We are not under siege but just doing our job,” Mudavadi said, pointing to US support for Kenya’s peacekeeping mission in Haiti as evidence of continued strong relations.
The Prime CS also addressed the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), set to expire in 2025, revealing that Kenya is already in talks with Washington to secure a new trade framework. He stressed the importance of diversifying export markets, noting that Iran is a major buyer of Kenyan tea.
Some MPs, including Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka, downplayed the US bill as a “normal petition,” but others, like Makali Mulu, warned against complacency. Lawmakers also raised concerns about unfair treatment of Kenyan traders by neighbouring countries, particularly Tanzania, which has recently imposed restrictive measures.
Mayaka urged the government to take a tougher stance, suggesting the revocation of work permits for citizens from uncooperative EAC members. Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia cited the case of Martha Karua being denied entry into Tanzania, while Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa criticised the influx of foreign traders into Kenya.
Mudavadi maintained that diplomacy remains Kenya’s preferred approach, even in disputes such as the long-standing Migingo Island standoff with Uganda. “We cannot go ruffling feathers and antagonising our neighbours,” he said, urging MPs to focus on Kenya’s role as the region’s largest economy and trade hub.
