Mudavadi Defends Millions Spent on Washington Lobbying

Kenya has signed a Sh271 million contract with US-based lobbying firm Continental Strategy LLC to promote its interests in Washington, ahead of President William Ruto’s scheduled visit to the United States.

The government has defended the contract as a strategic move to strengthen Kenya’s position on key foreign policy issues, including trade relations and regional security. Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi said that lobbying in the US capital is a common international practice that is necessary for advancing national priorities in a highly competitive policy environment.

Continental Strategy, led by former US ambassador Carlos Trujillo, is expected to represent Kenya’s interests in securing favourable trade terms after the expiry of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and in building support for Kenya’s leadership of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti. The agreement includes a monthly retainer fee of $175,000 (approximately Sh22.6 million), covering outreach efforts and engagement with US policymakers.

In response to criticism over the cost and timing of the deal, government officials have highlighted the legal and historical basis of such arrangements. Mudavadi confirmed that the contract complies with Kenyan law and the United States Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which requires full disclosure of foreign lobbying activities.

He also referenced past administrations, noting that since 1978, Kenya has worked with over 20 lobbying firms for purposes ranging from tourism promotion to strategic policy advisory. Previous firms have included Rational PR, Sonoran Policy Group, Myriad International, Moffett Group, and CLS Strategies.

The lobbying agreement comes as Kenya prepares for high-level meetings in Washington, where President Ruto is expected to hold talks with President Donald Trump. Discussions are likely to focus on trade, security cooperation, and Kenya’s designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally, a status currently under review by the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Mudavadi further emphasised that the contract supports broader diplomatic goals by improving Kenya’s visibility and engagement with the US, including the Kenyan diaspora. He noted that increased outreach could enhance opportunities for employment, mobility, and services for Kenyans living abroad.