Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has called on the United States government to reconsider its decision to freeze foreign aid, warning that the move will have devastating effects on vulnerable communities in Kenya.
Speaking after a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Marc Dillard, Chargé d’Affaires, on Wednesday, Odinga expressed deep concern over the impact of the funding cuts on healthcare and essential humanitarian services.
“I expressed my deep worries about the crippling of USAID and appealed to the U.S. government to rethink decisions that will affect access to humanitarian services, particularly life-saving medication,” Odinga stated.
The USAID funding freeze has already forced several NGOs in Kenya to suspend or shut down critical programs, leading to job losses and uncertainty for thousands of beneficiaries. Many organizations that rely on foreign assistance now face operational challenges, jeopardizing vital services for at-risk populations.
Concerns have further escalated following the Trump administration’s decision to cut U.S. funding to UNAIDS, as outlined in a February 2025 notice by Peter Marocco, a Trump loyalist spearheading USAID restructuring efforts. In his letter to UNAIDS, Marocco justified the termination of funding “for the convenience of the U.S. government.”
The aid freeze has already disrupted global HIV treatment programs, raising fears that millions could be left without critical healthcare services.
Odinga also noted that his meeting with Ambassador Dillard touched on Kenya’s political landscape and developments in the U.S., underscoring the need for continued diplomatic engagement on key global issues.
