Written By Lisa Murimi
Kenya finds itself at the heart of a geopolitical tug-of-war, as the United States sends its fourth top official to Nairobi in just three months, amid President William Ruto’s active courting of China.
U.S. Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Ambassador Mike Hammer, is expected to visit Kenya this month, highlighting the strategic importance Washington places on its relationship with the East African nation.
This visit comes against the backdrop of recent anti-U.S. protests in Kenya and coincides with President Ruto’s diplomatic overtures towards China.
The protests, which began in mid-June, saw Kenyans expressing dissatisfaction with what they perceived as U.S. interference in Kenyan affairs.
Meanwhile, Ruto, currently in Beijing, is seeking Chinese investment for key infrastructure projects, including the Nairobi-Malaba highway.
The U.S. appears intent on maintaining its influence in Kenya, as evidenced by a series of high-profile visits by American officials, including Under Secretary of State Bonnie D. Jenkins and Senator Chris Murphy.
However, with Kenya’s growing financial ties to China, the country’s foreign policy is poised on a delicate balance, navigating the interests of both superpowers.
