Kenya is actively pursuing BRICS membership, marking its clearest signal yet that East Africa’s largest economy sees its future in non-Western multilateral platforms. Ambassador to Russia Peter Mutuku Mathuki has described BRICS as a “transformational force” and confirmed that Nairobi is examining how the bloc aligns with national priorities.
Why it matters
Kenya’s bid reshapes the continental balance. Ethiopia joined BRICS in 2024, giving it diplomatic leverage that Kenya, traditionally the region’s dominant economy, lacks. Membership would grant Kenya access to the New Development Bank, alternative trade settlement systems, and a growing share of global output that BRICS nations now command.
The South Africa connection
The timing is significant. Washington’s proposal to exclude South Africa from the G20 and seat Poland has sent a signal to African governments that Western-led institutions can be weaponised. South Africa remains a founding BRICS member, but its potential G20 exclusion has accelerated conversations across the continent about diversifying diplomatic relationships.
The strategic calculation
President William Ruto has emphasised that multilateral cooperation would open new export markets for Kenyan goods and foster technology sharing. Kenya is the United States’ closest security partner in East Africa, making a BRICS pivot diplomatically delicate.
Supporters argue BRICS offers economic independence without requiring Kenya to abandon Western partnerships. Sceptics contend that joining a bloc that includes Russia and Iran could strain the US-Kenya relationship at a time when American military cooperation in the Horn of Africa remains critical.
What happens next
India chairs BRICS in 2026 under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” and has signalled openness to further African expansion. Nigeria and Uganda already participate as BRICS partner countries. A formal Kenyan application could come before the annual summit later this year.