Written by Kelly Were
The United States has suspended 72 projects in Kenya, cutting funding to various sectors that have been supporting employment and development.
This move follows President Donald Trump’s decision to pause US foreign development assistance for 90 days to review foreign aid programs and ensure they align with his “America First” policy.
Out of the 83 projects previously supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), only 11 will continue.
These remaining projects focus on health services, such as HIV/AIDS prevention, tuberculosis diagnosis, and child protection. These initiatives will continue until between 2026 and 2029.
The halted projects covered a wide range of sectors, including education, agriculture, wildlife conservation, and water and sanitation.
Institutions like the University of Nairobi and Strathmore University, along with organizations like the Kenya Wildlife Services, have been affected by the funding cuts.
Kenya is set to lose over Ksh15 billion that was supporting these initiatives.
The termination of these projects will impact many communities, especially in areas like education, trade, and agriculture, where the US had been playing a significant role.
The ongoing cuts from USAID since President Trump took office have left many worried about the long-term effects on Kenya’s development, particularly in sectors that directly benefit the local population.
