Ruto Opens Up: Why Kenya Spent Millions on US Lobbyists

By Mutunga Tobbias

The Common Pulse | August 2025

President William Ruto has openly acknowledged that his government spent millions of shillings on lobbying efforts in the United States, sparking debate over whether the expense was justified or a misuse of public funds.

For months, questions had swirled around Kenya’s relationship with US lobbying firms, with critics accusing the government of secrecy and wastefulness. Now, Ruto has sought to clarify the rationale behind the move, framing it as a strategic investment in Kenya’s global standing.

Why the Lobbying?

According to Ruto, the lobbying was aimed at:

• Strengthening bilateral ties with Washington.

• Securing trade and investment opportunities for Kenya.

• Positioning Kenya as a regional security partner in East Africa.

• Shaping international perception, particularly in the aftermath of Kenya’s domestic protests and political turbulence.

He emphasized that lobbying is not unusual, pointing out that many African governments hire firms in Washington to ensure their voices are heard in US foreign policy circles.

Critics Push Back

Despite Ruto’s defense, critics argue the millions spent could have been better used addressing urgent domestic needs, such as:

• Rising cost of living.

• Youth unemployment.

• Underfunded health and education systems.

Opposition leaders accuse the government of prioritizing image over substance, while activists warn that lobbying risks painting a sanitized version of Kenya abroad, masking real governance and human rights concerns at home.

The Bigger Picture

Kenya’s reliance on lobbying highlights the growing importance of soft power and global perception in international diplomacy. As Kenya positions itself as a gateway to East Africa and a key US partner, image management has become part of statecraft.

However, this revelation also raises critical questions:

• Who benefits most from lobbying, ordinary citizens, or the political elite?

• Is this spending a necessary cost of global diplomacy, or a luxury Kenya cannot afford in times of economic strain?

By admitting to the expenditure, Ruto has pulled back the curtain on a practice many governments prefer to keep quiet. The debate now is not just about dollars and cents, it’s about priorities, transparency, and accountability.

As the conversation continues, Kenyans will be watching closely to see whether the promised dividends from Washington match the millions spent to get there.