The administration of President William Ruto has entered into a controversial agreement with Continental Strategy LLC, a Washington-based lobbying firm, allocating more than Sh325 million of taxpayer money. This deal, signed amidst significant economic challenges facing millions of Kenyans, is intended to enhance Nairobi's image in Washington and advance Kenya's foreign policy and economic interests.

Under the terms of the agreement, filed with the U.S. Justice Department’s Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) unit on August 8, 2025, Kenya will pay a monthly retainer of $175,000 (approximately Sh27.1 million) for 12 months. This sum excludes additional costs for registration fees, travel (including hotel, airfare, car services, and meals). The contract, which took effect upon signature, automatically renews monthly unless a 30-day written termination notice is provided by either party, suggesting a potentially indefinite financial commitment from Kenyan taxpayers. The foreign principal is listed as the “Republic of Kenya,” with Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei identified as the key Kenyan counterpart.

Continental Strategy LLC is owned by Carlos Trujillo, a close ally of Donald Trump and former U.S. Ambassador to the Organisation of American States. Trujillo, a Republican, has a background in the Florida House of Representatives and leverages his network in Washington. The firm explicitly states its expertise in navigating federal agencies like the Department of State, Homeland Security, Transportation, and Treasury, aiming to successfully advocate on behalf of its clients. However, Trujillo’s agreement includes a disclaimer that any statements of opinion regarding anticipated results should not be construed as a promise or guarantee of success.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi defended the engagement, classifying it as a strategic investment to strengthen bilateral ties and promote tourism and trade. He asserted that such partnerships are standard and legitimate practices globally, crucial for advancing national interests in the highly competitive environment of Washington, D.C. Mudavadi also noted that the initiative complements conventional diplomacy by providing additional channels for engagement and highlighted that previous Kenyan governments, including those of Presidents Kenyatta, Moi, Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta, have similarly engaged US and UK lobbyists. He emphasized the transparency of the deal, stating that all contract terms are publicly available under FARA regulations.

Despite the government's justification, the deal has drawn criticism for its perceived extravagance during a period of economic hardship for many Kenyans. Critics suggest it is an attempt to address international concerns regarding domestic unrest and Kenya's reported engagement with leaders of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia. Concerns have also been raised by Dr. Kenneth Ombongi, who stated that any project using public money must be approved by people’s representatives and the Controller of Budget (CoB), which was reportedly not the case by the time of publication.

The lobbying effort comes at a high-stakes moment for Kenya in Washington, as trade, security, and finance issues converge. On August 1, 2025, Senate Foreign Relations Committee chair Jim Risch introduced an amendment to the FY2026 National Defence Authorisation Act. This amendment proposes a formal review of Kenya’s designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA), a status granted last year that provides access to advanced US weapons. The review would examine Kenya's cooperation on counter-terrorism and peacekeeping (including the Haiti mission), its military and commercial ties with China, Russia, and Iran, any financial links between Kenyan actors and these states, contacts with non-state armed groups like the RSF and al-Shabaab, potential misuse of its financial system by sanctioned entities, and the usage of US security assistance in relation to civilian abuses. While the Senate passed its version of the defense bill, the review remains a proposal subject to further negotiations. A senior US embassy official in Nairobi downplayed the significance of the amendment, noting it originates from the legislative arm and does not necessarily reflect the executive's stance.