Former president Uhuru Kenyatta has made a mockery of Kenyan government concerns over the move by US to pull out some of its funding initiatives.
Speaking on the matter, Kenyatta appeared to dismiss the outrage surrounding former U.S. President Donald Trump’s past stance on foreign aid, where he insisted that America would no longer provide “blank checks” to foreign governments.
"Why are you crying? It’s not your government!" Kenyatta remarked. "He has no reason to give you anything. You don’t pay taxes in America."
His comments come amid growing concerns over the potential impact of reduced U.S. funding on various programs in Kenya, particularly in health, education, and development sectors. However, Kenyatta’s remarks suggest that Kenya should not overly rely on external support.
The Kenyan government has remained firm that solutions on the matter will be found, but analysts say the reduction in U.S. aid could force the country to seek alternative funding sources or increase domestic resource mobilization.
Potential Impact of U.S. Funding Cuts
Over the years, the U.S. has been a key development partner for Kenya, providing financial support for programs in areas such as healthcare, security, and governance. However, Trump’s stance during his presidency signaled a shift in U.S. foreign policy, prioritizing domestic spending over international aid.
If implemented, the funding cuts could affect Kenya’s ability to sustain critical programs, putting pressure on the government to find alternative solutions.