Kenyans working with US embassies and different bureaus across the world might soon lose their jobs following a major decision announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. On Tuesday, he revealed that the US State Department will go through a serious restructuring process aimed at cutting down its size and cost.
This move is part of President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy, which puts the interests of Americans ahead of international commitments. The plan includes closing and merging over 100 offices and bureaus around the world and is expected to reduce the department’s workforce by 15 percent.
An internal memo that was shared with Congress outlines how this shake-up will work. A total of 132 out of the department’s 734 offices and bureaus will be abolished completely. Additionally, another 137 offices will be moved within the department in what the leadership is calling a move to boost efficiency.
A fact sheet obtained by Reuters shows that the department believes the current setup is too large and is no longer effective in fulfilling its diplomatic mission.
According to Rubio, the department has become too big, slow, and unable to perform its work properly, especially in today’s competitive global environment.The changes are set to begin from July 1 this year. These changes will also affect jobs, as staff numbers will be reduced during the restructuring.
While the exact number of employees who will lose their jobs hasn’t been revealed, the impact is expected to be dire. Among the offices to be reduced is the Office of Global Women’s Issues.
Programs related to diversity and inclusion, which had already been facing cuts since Trump came into power, are now likely to be completely shut down. A new office will be created to handle diplomatic and humanitarian work, taking over what is left of the foreign assistance programs.
This overhaul follows the recent closure of the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The future of USAID now looks uncertain.
If the current strategy is fully rolled out, the freeze on USAID activities may not be lifted, putting thousands of jobs at risk.
Many Kenyans and other foreign nationals working under USAID contracts may find themselves without work or income. The program, which was started in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, has helped millions across the world.
Now, it faces an unclear and possibly dark future under the current administration’s new direction. For those whose livelihoods depend on these international jobs, the coming months will be filled with anxiety and uncertainty.
