In recent weeks, several African countries have been thrown into uncertainty following a series of policy changes introduced by United States President Donald Trump since his inauguration last month.
Within his first week in office, President Trump signed a record 36 executive orders, including a 90-day pause on foreign aid and a withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). These moves have sparked widespread concern, particularly among developing nations that rely heavily on international support for economic stability.
In Kenya, the impact of these changes is already being felt. The United States has been a key contributor to the country’s development, disbursing over Ksh. 80 billion annually to fund critical programs such as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), malaria initiatives, and the Global Health Security Agenda. The temporary freeze on foreign aid has raised fears about the sustainability of these programs, which are vital to millions of Kenyans.
In response to the looming crisis, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi announced on February 3, 2025, that the Kenyan government would reallocate its budget to ensure the continuity of essential programs affected by the aid freeze.
“We will have no alternative but to redirect part of the development budget to sustain crucial programs that could be starved of funds if the US halts foreign aid,” Mbadi stated.
Meanwhile, Health Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth sought to reassure the public, noting that the Ministry of Health has sufficient antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and testing kits to last at least six months. He also expressed optimism that development partners and private stakeholders would step in to provide alternative funding.
“We have enough HIV commodities, including antiretrovirals and testing kits, to sustain us for the next six months,” Dr. Amoth said. “We are also engaging with other partners to secure additional resources.”
The policy shifts by president Trump have highlighted the vulnerabilities of countries that depend on foreign aid, prompting calls for greater self-reliance and innovative funding mechanisms. As Kenya and other African nations navigate this challenging period, the focus remains on safeguarding critical health and development programs that directly impact the lives of millions.
This unfolding situation underscores the need for long-term strategies to reduce dependency on external aid and build resilient, locally-driven solutions to address pressing social and economic challenges.
