The United States has suspended 72 projects that were providing vital support and employment opportunities across various sectors in Kenya.
This move follows President Donald Trump’s decision to pause US foreign development assistance for 90 days in order to review and ensure alignment with his “America First” foreign policy.
Out of the 83 active US Agency for International Development (USAID) initiatives, only 11 will continue to operate, with the remaining 72 projects being permanently shut down, as revealed in a report obtained by Corporate Watch.
The 11 active projects will continue to operate until between 2026-2029.
Since President Trump’s inauguration in January, funding cuts to USAID have had a significant impact on Kenya.
The ongoing projects, as outlined in the report, are focused on key areas including strengthening the health supply chain, providing HIV/AIDS services, diagnosing and preventing tuberculosis (TB), and supporting child protection programs, as well as the OVC and DREAMS initiatives.
”The envisaged program is expected to continue covering diagnosis of TB, treatment of diagnosed patients, and prevention of transmission of TB, besides spearheading the introduction of new technologies and approaches and sustaining the gains made in,” read part of the document.
The ongoing projects will continue in collaboration with a range of partners, including health-focused and academic institutions such as the Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Moi University College of Health Sciences, and Tujenge Jamii.
Specialized NGOs and consulting firms like Deloitte & Touche LLP will also be involved. Additionally, organizations like AMREF Health Africa, St. Johns Community Centre (Pumwani), and the Christian Health Association of Kenya are among the key partners supporting these initiatives.
The terminated projects covered a wide range of sectors, including education with a focus on literacy programs and higher education reform, as well as trade and private sector development.
Other areas affected include resilience building, community capacity development, agricultural and food systems, and water and sanitation initiatives.
Projects related to wildlife conservation, environmental management, electoral governance, anti-fraud efforts, and health governance have also been discontinued.
Additionally, programs aimed at promoting social inclusion, disability rights, gender equality, and capacity building in monitoring and evaluation have been halted.
Academic and research institutions such as the University of Nairobi and Strathmore University, along with government-affiliated organizations and civil society groups like the National Council of Churches of Kenya and Kenya Wildlife Service, have also been impacted.
With the permanent closure of these projects, Kenya stands to lose more than Ksh15 billion in funding that had been supporting key initiatives in education, agriculture, wildlife conservation, and other vital areas.
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