President William Ruto is set to visit the United States next month for the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, marking his first trip to Washington under President Donald Trump’s administration. The visit, which coincides with growing scrutiny over Kenya’s foreign policy, is being seen as a critical test of Nairobi’s diplomatic standing with Washington.
Trump has developed a reputation for hosting African leaders in a transactional, carefully choreographed manner far removed from the ceremonial warmth of past U.S. administrations. His recent mini-summit with leaders from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal was widely interpreted as a display of power rather than genuine partnership. That precedent has fueled speculation over whether Ruto will face a similarly frosty reception.
At stake is Kenya’s designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally, which is under review by the U.S. Senate. Senator James Risch has confirmed the review will examine Kenya’s ties with China, Russia, and Iran, as well as allegations of human rights violations involving U.S.-funded security operations. Ruto, however, has defended his relationship with Beijing, highlighting recent tariff cuts on Kenyan tea, coffee, and avocados as key wins for exporters.
Security will also feature prominently in discussions, particularly Kenya’s leadership of the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti. While Trump’s administration initially paused foreign aid, Kenya’s Haiti deployment was exempted following high-level talks—underscoring Washington’s reliance on Nairobi’s peacekeeping role.
Trade remains another pressing issue. With the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) set to expire in September, Kenya is pushing for a free-trade agreement with the U.S. Trump’s “aid to trade” philosophy may offer Nairobi opportunities, but his protectionist tariff policies pose risks to Kenya’s $737 million export market, dominated by apparel, coffee, and tea.
Beyond trade and security, Ruto is also expected to lobby for Nairobi to host the first African edition of the Grammy Awards, positioning Kenya as a continental hub for creative industries.
The September visit could prove to be a defining moment for Ruto shaping Kenya’s economic, security, and cultural diplomacy in an era where Washington’s support is increasingly uncertain.
