Major Non-NATO Ally: What Biden’s new Pledge means for Kenya
President Joe Biden, on Thursday pledged to designate Kenya as a Major Non-NATO ally (MNNA). This significant move makes Kenya the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to receive this designation, further cementing a 60 years long collaboration between the two nations.
While countries under this designation receive various military and financial benefits, such benefits do not extend to mutual defense commitments that NATO members have under Article 5 of the NATO Treaty.
This pledge follows President Ruto’s State visit, the first trip to Washington D.C by an African leader for the past 15 years. This designation has happened against the backdrop of growing influence of China and Russia in Sub-Saharan Africa especially the Sahel Region.
Washington believes that this initiative will boost its efforts to stamp its footprint in Africa even as China Continues to dominate in the forging of partnership across the African content. Additionally, this designation has happened, amid Biden’s appeals to African nations that the US can be a better partner than China. Therefore, one can argue that Biden’s decision to designate Kenya as MNNA is motivated not by a practical rationale but for reasons of strategy.
What will Kenya Gain from MNNA Status?
The MNNA designation is a powerful symbol of the close relationship the United States shares with those countries that receives it. One of the key advantages of being designated as an MNNA is enhanced military cooperation with the United States. This designation will allow Nairobi to buy military technologies that would be harder for other countries to obtain from Washington. Consequently, an MNNA is eligible for loans on materials and equipment for research, development and testing. This has the potential of bolstering Kenya’s defense capabilities and help modernize her defense forces.
Additionally, MNNA status allows the recipient to store US-owned war reserve stockpiles. It is also important to note that such status will allow Kenya to be considered for the purchase of depleted uranium ammunition. The MNNA status may also open doors to greater economic opportunities, including increased foreign investments and access to US markets.
However, this designation does not guarantee new defense agreement or weapon sales between Nairobi and Washington.
Possible Drawbacks
On the other hand, there are several potential drawbacks to being designated as an MNNA. One concern is the perception of being closely aligned with the United States which could strain relations with other countries. This is particularly true for countries with adversarial or competitive relationships with the US like Russia and China.
This has the potential of creating diplomatic tensions with Russia as Kenya will gain a seat at the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, thus damaging the country’s geopolitical standing.
Consequently, while this designation spells certain benefits, such access to military equipment and technology can lead to greater dependence on US support. Increased reliance on US for military support can limit Kenya’s ability to pursue its own foreign policy objectives independently. The close US alignment could make Kenya a target for adversaries of the US, thus, increasing security risks and potential conflicts. Additionally, this MNNA status could result in economic pressures like expectations to purchase military equipment or engage in trade agreement that may not be in the best interest of Kenya. Furthermore, the lack of formal security guarantee could leave Kenya vulnerable to external threats, especially if antagonized by powerful adversaries.
In conclusion, being designated as a major Non-NATO Ally by the United States offer both advantages and disadvantages to Kenya. While it has the potential of increasing military cooperation, diplomatic prestige and economic opportunities, it also carries the risks of diplomatic tensions, security vulnerabilities and constraints on foreign policy autonomy.
