Koech criticises U.S. Senator's comments on Kenya-China ties

Defence, Intelligence & Foreign Relations committee chair Nelson Koech when he hosted Austrian Parliament delegation in Nairobi. February 15, 2023. [File, Standard] National Assembly Defense, Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Committee Chairman Nelson Koech has termed USA Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch's remarks about Kenya and China relations as very unfortunate. Koech termed Risch's framing of Kenya's current foreign policy posture, particularly about China, as overlooking the depth, consistency, and achievements of the USA-Kenya partnership and that it was necessary to be reminded of the broader and richer context of this relationship. He said that President William Ruto's reference to Kenya and China as "co-architects of a new world order" must be viewed as an assertion of Africa's right to shape its future, not as a pivot in allegiance with Kenya calling for a more just global system one where Africa contributes meaningfully to international governance and economic policy. "This aspiration mirrors President Donald Trump's push for reform within global institutions from the United Nations to the World Trade Organisation, his administration consistently questioned outdated structures and demanded fairer terms for American interests," said Koech. The Belgut MP said that Kenya is proud to be designated a Major Non-NATO Ally of the United States - one of only a handful in Africa with this status earned through decades of cooperation and sacrifice with the world super power. Koech said that through PEPFAR, the United States has saved and transformed millions of Kenyan lives, with Kenya being a flagship country in this global health success story said In education and research with American institutions have been established in the country. "We have worked side by side in counterterrorism, regional peacekeeping, and diplomacy, including ongoing operations in Somalia and our leadership in the Haiti Multinational Security Support Mission, with our partnership has extended well beyond security," said Koech. He said USA institutions like the CDC and USAID have partnered with our universities, hospitals, and Non-Governmental Organisations to build lasting capacity with USA firms such as Microsoft, Google, Coca-Cola, General Electric, and IBM continue to invest and thrive in Kenya. "We are also advancing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement - a first of its kind between the U.S. and a sub-Saharan African country. On governance, Kenya's 2022 elections were peaceful and credible, with U.S. institutions offering technical and diplomatic support," said Koech. He said that, like many in the United States, Kenya is concerned about how current global climate frameworks impact development. We seek climate justice - transitions that are not punitive but enabling, financed, and attuned to the realities of the Global South. Koech said they are also calling for reform in global trade while advocating for rules that support value addition, industrial growth, and fair competition, pointing out that these are not anti-Western positions, but they are pro-African positions that align with the very spirit of reform once championed by President Trump. "If there is a reassessment to be made, then let it recognise sovereignty, agency, and mutual benefit. Kenya is not walking away from the United States. We are widening our diplomatic space - as every nation has the right to do," said Koech. Speaking during a Senate hearing last week, Risch expressed concern over Kenya's deepening ties with China, particularly in light of Ruto's declaration that Kenya and China are co-architects of a new world order, calling for a reassessment of the United States' relationship with Kenya. Risch said that such statements suggest a significant shift in Kenya's foreign policy orientation, potentially undermining its longstanding partnership with the United States, warning that relying on leaders who openly embrace Beijing could be detrimental to the United States' interests in the region. "It is very important to be clear-eyed about potential and existing partners in the region, noting that in many cases, these governments are not wholly legitimate, raising questions about the worthiness of engagement," said Risch.

Koech criticises U.S. Senator's comments on Kenya-China ties

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Koech criticises U.S. Senator's comments on Kenya-China ties

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