BY YVONNE IDAMANO.
In global politics, strategic ambiguity as a foreign policy refers to a government being
ambiguous in its dealings with other states, not openly taking sides or favouring particular states.
This policy can benefit developing nations, who have a lot to lose if they are perceived as more
aligned with one global player than another. Developing countries like Kenya rely on aid from
developed nations like the United States and China for grants, loans, and donations, which play a
significant role in the country's development.
Recently, Kenya seemed to have a newfound friendship with the United States. This is not
unusual, as the two countries have enjoyed bilateral engagements for the last 60 years. This
relationship was celebrated recently with pomp and colour at the White House. President Ruto of
Kenya received all-state honours, culminating in a state dinner with glitz and glamour. These
state honours are rarely given to African heads of state, with only a few, such as the late
President Mwai Kibaki, having received such recognition. With it also came a bag of goodies
that the President brought back to the country, making headlines in both local and international
media, proving that the gesture was not just a casual showcase.
The over 52 billion worth of goodies ranged from a variety of goodwill donations: 5.3 billion
shillings for enhancing democracy, human rights, and governance; 173 million shillings for
youth empowerment programs; about 66 million shillings for anti-corruption efforts; and another
66 million shillings for funding the education sector, including needy children. This is just a
sneak peek of what the President brought back. These deals were enticing, but such gifts come
with a cost: Kenya should always side with US policies, especially on global issues. One such
issue is the deployment of our police officers to Haiti, which has met great opposition in Kenya,
with court orders halting the mission. Yet, the government continues to be adamant in its efforts,
often seen as a way to please our newfound friends who are pro-mission and offer financial
support for it.
This begs the question, will this open bromance create a rift between Kenya and other countries
with which it has relations? A country like China, with which we have collaborated on many
fronts (not forgetting the backlog of loans we owe them). While it is not bad to have dealings
with the US, it is important to maintain a neutral face on the global stage. This strategy ensures
we have allies from every corner and are not dependent on one state. Countries not pro-US may
sideline us because of our inclination to America, yet we have no business inheriting political
foes or rivalries we know nothing about. We should make and maintain friendships with all for
the sake of our country's growth and development, whether political or economic.
Mr. President, the ball is now in your court. Weigh the options carefully and choose the right
foreign policy to adopt.
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