Why Trump spared Kenya in visa suspension list

By Newsflash Writer

Kenya is among only 10 African countries that have been spared from a sweeping US suspension of immigrant visa processing, a move that underscores Washington’s favourable assessment of Nairobi as a key strategic ally in both economic and security affairs under President Donald Trump’s administration.

The exemption signals the United States’ continued confidence in Kenya’s role as a regional anchor and a dependable partner whose nationals are viewed as posing low immigration and welfare risks compared to countries placed under the freeze.

Toughened US immigration stance

The US State Department announced that it has halted the processing of immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries as part of an intensified immigration crackdown. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the department said the move aligns with President Trump’s long-standing position that immigrants should be financially independent and not place a burden on American taxpayers.

Read more: Trump suspends Green Card lottery

“President Trump has made clear that immigrants must be financially self-sufficient and not be a financial burden to Americans,” the department said. It added that a comprehensive review of existing immigration policies, regulations, and guidance is underway to ensure that immigrants from what it termed “high-risk countries” do not rely on welfare programmes in the United States or become a public charge.

The suspension applies strictly to immigrant visas and does not affect non-immigrant categories such as tourist and short-term visit visas.

Countries affected by the freeze

According to the State Department, the suspension takes effect on January 21, 2026, and covers immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of 75 countries. In Africa, those affected include Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan.

The list also spans several regions, covering countries such as Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Others on the suspension list are Senegal, Sierra Leone, Syria, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.

Despite the pause, the department clarified that applicants from the affected countries may still submit applications and attend scheduled interviews, but no immigrant visas will be issued during the suspension period.

Strategic value of Kenya

Kenya’s exclusion from the list is largely attributed to its deep-rooted strategic relationship with the United States in trade, security, and diplomacy. Nairobi hosts one of the largest US diplomatic missions in Africa and is viewed as a critical ally in counter-terrorism efforts in the Horn of Africa.

As a key troop-contributing country to the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, Kenya plays a central role in combating Al-Shabaab, ISIS, and other extremist groups that Washington considers major security threats.

Economically, Kenya is one of the largest economies in sub-Saharan Africa and a vital driver of growth in East Africa, reinforcing its standing as an indispensable partner to the United States and helping explain why it has remained off the visa suspension list.