The recent 90-day suspension of USAID funds by former U.S. President Donald Trump has led
to remarkable disruptions in Kenya, underlining Kenya’s reliance on American assistance
for its economy and healthcare system.

The suspension has unfavorably affected businesses such as hotels, and retail stores, with tens of thousands of aid workers, both Kenyan and international  placed out of work.

Although a temporary court order has challenged Trump’s executive directive, uncertainty
prevails.

In 2023, Kenya received $850 million in U.S. aid, supporting over 230 projects, particularly in health sectors combating HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.

The funding termination has severely disrupted these critical services, prompting concerns about Kenya’s vulnerability to U.S. policy decisions and sparking debates on the need for enhanced support
systems.