Kenya is bracing for the impact of a potential freeze on foreign aid from the United States, particularly concerning vital health programs. National Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS) John Mbadi addressed the issue in Naivasha, revealing that the government plans to slash its development budget to mitigate the effects of the freeze, which could disrupt essential services, especially in healthcare.
Mbadi confirmed that, should US President Donald Trump’s freeze on foreign aid materialize, the country would need to turn to domestic financing. “We will have no alternative but to slash part of the development budget and use the funds to finance critical programmes that will be starved of cash if the US stops foreign aid,” he said. This step, while necessary, is not without challenges, as it would require reallocation of funds that were originally designated for development projects, such as infrastructure and housing.
The freeze primarily threatens the continuity of health initiatives that are heavily reliant on US aid, particularly the fight against HIV/AIDS. Mbadi assured the public that the government would prioritize health funding to prevent these critical programs from collapsing. “There is no cause for alarm as I have started to put measures in place to ensure that health programmes that depended heavily on foreign aid are not paralysed,” he stated.
Despite the reassurance, the government is still awaiting formal confirmation from the United States regarding the suspension. President Trump’s Stop-Work Order, signed shortly after he assumed office, temporarily halts all US foreign assistance programs for 90 days pending reviews. This order could severely impact the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and USAID programs, both of which fund a variety of health services in Kenya, including HIV treatment and community health programs. The freeze would not only affect millions of people relying on HIV support but also the over 25,000 healthcare workers whose jobs are at risk during the suspension.
The Kenyan government, while concerned about the immediate impact, is actively seeking alternative funding sources. The Ministry of Health has reassured the public that there are sufficient stocks of HIV commodities for the next six months and is working with other international partners and the private sector to bridge any gaps.
The freeze on US foreign aid is a significant blow to Kenya’s health system, with far-reaching consequences for both treatment and the livelihoods of thousands in the sector. As the country waits for further clarification from the US, the urgency of domestic solutions remains clear.
