How William Ruto is splashing millions on US lobbyists

One thing that must also be mentioned here is that the scandals are increasing in number and taking on ever greater dimensions. It all started with the demonstrations in 2024, killings, kidnappings, and then deaths in police custody. Then, in 2025, SHA was added, and now this too. President William Ruto's government has reportedly allocated significant resources to engage American lobbying firms to boost Kenya's image in Washington amid domestic and foreign scrutiny. According to reports by The Standard, the Kenyan government signed a contract with Continental Strategy LLC, a Washington-based firm with ties to Donald Trump ally and former ambassador Carlos Trujillo, for a monthly fee of 27.1 million shillings (approximately $210,000). This equates to over 325 million shillings annually, a figure that is causing controversy in Kenya given the economic hardships facing many citizens. The deal is intended to boost Ruto's credibility in the US Congress, where his administration's reputation has been questioned amid domestic issues such as corruption allegations and protests against tax increases. This move comes amid Kenya's complex relationship with the US, particularly after Kenya became the first sub-Saharan African country to become a major non-NATO ally in 2024. However, Ruto's foreign policy, which includes his relations with China and the inclusion of controversial groups such as Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has raised concerns in Washington and prompted the Senate to review Kenya's ally status. The lobbying effort is seen as an attempt to counter these tensions and maintain close ties with the US, particularly in light of Ruto's planned visit to the UN General Assembly in September 2025, where he aims to strengthen ties with the incoming Trump administration. Critics argue the spending is excessive, especially when compared to Kenya's economic challenges, including high living costs and a youth-led insurgency against government policies. The funds allocated to lobbying could be seen as diverting resources from urgent domestic needs and stoking public discontent. While lobbying is portrayed as a strategy to boost Kenya's global reputation and attract investment, the high cost and the choice of a firm associated with a polarizing figure like Trujillo have led to accusations of desperation and mismanagement. The exact results of these efforts remain unclear, as Kenya's domestic instability and foreign policy missteps continue to tarnish its international image. Sources: @https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001527890/revealed-how-ruto-is-splashing-millions-on-us-lobbyists-to-face-with-washington @https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001527890/revealed-how-ruto-is-splashing-millions-on-us-lobbyists-to-save-face @https://www.standardme dia.co.ke/article/2001527890/revealed-how-ruto-is-splashing-millions-on-us-lobbyists-to-save-face @https://www.africaintelligence.com/eastern-africa-and-the-horn/2025/08/26/ruto-prepares-trip-to-washington-to-save-relations-with-trump-administration%2C110514533-eve @https://responsiblestatecraft.org/uni ted states kenya @https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001527890/revealed-how-ruto-is-splashing-millions-on-us-lobbyists-to-face-with-washington @https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/07/11/kenya-president-ruto-cabinet-riots @https://responsiblestatecraft.org/united-states-kenya/) @https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001527890/revealed-how-ruto-is-splashing-millions-on-us-lobbyists-to-face-with-washington @https://www.africaintelligence.com/eastern-africa-and-the-horn/2025/08/26/ruto-prepares-trip-to-washington-to-save-relations-with-trump-administration%2C110514533-eve