Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive orders, signed immediately after his inauguration, carry significant implications for Kenya and the African continent. Among the most impactful is his suspension of new foreign aid for 90 days, pending reviews to determine alignment with his foreign policy agenda. This move could significantly disrupt Kenya’s reliance on U.S. aid, which contributes approximately $1.68 billion annually, including $1 billion in direct aid, according to the Aid Data Network.
Trump justified the suspension by claiming foreign aid often contradicts U.S. interests and values. His declaration to ensure America is no longer “taken advantage of” raises concerns for Kenya, which has benefited from U.S. funding for healthcare, education, and various humanitarian programs. Foreign policy analysts like Prof. Macharia Munene argue that Trump may prioritize economic returns over social aid, leaving Kenya’s non-economic initiatives vulnerable to cuts.
Additionally, Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement could hamper global climate change mitigation efforts and affect Kenya’s access to related funding. Kenya, like many African nations, is highly vulnerable to climate change, and Trump’s pledge to “drill, baby, drill” underscores a pivot away from renewable energy investments.
Trump’s stringent immigration policies also carry ripple effects for Kenyans living in the U.S. His call to end birthright citizenship and deport individuals who overstayed their visas adds uncertainty for undocumented immigrants, although legal experts doubt the feasibility of enforcing such measures without judicial intervention.
Trump’s orders may also strain agreements established during President Biden’s administration, such as infrastructure projects and Kenya’s designation as a major non-NATO ally. Gordon K’acholla, a foreign policy analyst, suggests Trump’s pragmatic approach might lead to renegotiations, focusing on U.S. economic benefits rather than bilateral collaboration.
Kenya’s future interactions with the U.S. under Trump’s policies will likely involve recalibrated priorities, emphasizing mutual economic gain over aid-based partnerships. For a nation like Kenya, balancing its dependency on foreign aid while pursuing self-reliance and sustainable development will be crucial in navigating this shifting relationship.
The broader African continent also faces the challenge of reduced U.S. engagement on global issues like climate change and foreign aid, amplifying the need for regional solutions and diversified international partnerships.
