Kenya and the United States have emphasized the need for continued and sustained interaction between the two countries, notwithstanding the US’s recent freeze on foreign aid to African countries.
This comes after Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi openly discussed the recent executive measures passed by US President Donald Trump and their potential ramifications for Kenya with US Ambassador Marc Dillard at the US Embassy in Kenya.
The meeting came only days after recipients of the aid globally, including Kenya, began receiving letters announcing its discontinuation.
During the conversations, Mbadi and Dillard agreed that the two countries should continue to examine how these changes will affect Kenya, particularly in development initiatives, and look for alternate solutions.
“Acknowledging the significance of this development, the meeting emphasised the importance of sustained engagement between Kenya and the United States to assess any potential impacts,” read part of the statement by Mbadi after the meeting.
“Particularly on development programs and organisations operating in Kenya, and to explore collaborative solutions to any emerging challenges.”
Beneficiaries of US Fund funding ended the uncertainty surrounding the money when they began getting termination letters on February 27. The letters confirmed that the aid had ended.
One of the implementing partners in Kenya that benefited from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and received the confirmation cut letter is the USAID Tujenge Jamii program, which is a collaboration between USAID, Deloitte, FHI 360, and Goldstar.
The letter was issued on a directive from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who, in his capacity as Acting Administrator for USAID, said that funding was cut for the convenience and interests of the US government.
In response to the termination letters, both National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi supported President Donald Trump’s decision, describing it as a wake-up call for Africa’s independence.
“They want to make America great again. We, in Kenya, must make Kenya great forever by making sacrifices and working hard,” Wetangula said during the funeral service of Baringo Senator William Cheptumo on Saturday.
During the discussion with CS Mbadi, Ambassador Dillard emphasized the United States’ ongoing support for the Haiti program, food assistance, and other life-saving programs. Kenya and the United States have collaborated on numerous development projects that benefit Kenyans.
