Kenya’s newly acquired designation as a Major non-NATO Ally (MNNA) is potentially under threat after a US Senate proposal called for its review just a year after it was granted.

US Senator James Risch (Idaho, Republican) has introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the Fiscal Year 2026 seeking a 90-day reassessment of Kenya’s status. If adopted, the amendment would mandate US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to submit a report on Kenya’s foreign policy alignments, defence partnerships, and human rights record within 180 days.

The review would examine Kenya’s relations with China, Russia and Iran, along with any political or financial ties to militant groups such as al-Shabaab and Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). It would also assess whether Nairobi has misused US security and intelligence support to carry out abductions, torture, or other human rights violations, and outline any military cooperation or agreements Kenya has engaged in with the three countries since June 24, 2024.

The move reflects heightened concern in Washington over Kenya’s global alignments amid broader US efforts to re-evaluate its strategic partnerships across Africa. The MNNA designation, held by only 18 countries worldwide, grants access to military financing, joint training, and priority defence equipment delivery.

As bne IntelliNews reported, Kenya became the first sub-Saharan African nation to receive the designation following President William Ruto’s state visit to Washington. According to the US State Department, MNNA status is awarded to countries with close strategic and military ties to the United States but who are not NATO members.

The White House said in June the designation aimed to enhance bilateral cooperation on security, counterterrorism and economic growth, with expanded joint training and intelligence sharing as part of stabilising the Horn of Africa.

As bne IntelliNews reported, Sudan’s government had condemned Kenya for planning to host talks involving the RSF, a group accused of genocide in Darfur. Sudan’s Foreign Ministry called the move a “serious threat” to regional security and a violation of international law in a statement issued on April 12.

Kenya later rejected the accusations, calling them false and misleading. On April 29, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned a circular from Sudan’s Armed Forces (SAF) that accused Nairobi of fuelling instability.