Kenya-US relations: President Ruto’s intentions vis-à-vis the ‘Look East Policy’

President William Ruto's election in August 2022 introduced an element of uncertainty in Kenya's foreign policy landscape. While it is challenging to predict the exact trajectory, his past statements suggest a more pragmatic and balanced approach to international relations. While emphasizing the importance of regional integration and South-South cooperation, President Ruto has also acknowledged the significance of Kenya's longstanding relationship with the United States. This nuanced stance implies that the government might not abandon the Look East Policy entirely but rather recalibrate to strike a more balanced approach between the East and the West.