How Kenya’s War on Al-Shabaab Will Be Affected By Trump Aid Freeze

Kenya is set to be the among hardest hit African countries by Donald Trump’s decision to freeze US Aid as far as national security is concerned.

After Trump’s executive orders, Kenya will now have to cope with the possibility of fending off terrorism threats without the much-needed help from the US.

In terms of foreign aid spent on global security, Kenya is the third biggest beneficiary in Africa, behind Egypt and Somalia, with the country receiving upward of Ksh2.7 billion (USD 21 million).

Previously, the US was willing to fund the Anti-Terrorism Assistance program, meant to improve the capacity of allies to respond to extremist threats. Nearly all functions of the program have now been suspended, with some US officials revealing to the Washington Post of their plight. 

The move has also affected U.S. defense officials stationed in a number of war-prone regions, including some parts of Kenya. While speaking to Washington Post, some of these officials expressed concern over their own safety after Trump’s orders, saying they were unsure whether their country would fund their return home.

Withdrawal of security aid from the US is likely to spell danger in the near future, as a recent report by a U.N. panel of experts suggested the threats posed by terror groups remain prevalent, and they are likely to shift their focus on more vulnerable African nations.

Kenya is likely to fall under this bracket, thanks to the heavy anti-terrorism assistance she receives from the US. 

A critical border program that has since been suspended, utilised U.S.-provided drones for surveillance, detection, and interdiction of militants.

These surveillance infrastructures are crucial, as they have helped Kenyan soldiers detect and counter terrorism threats. During one occasion soldiers were able to discover caches of water in jerricans hidden in remote areas by al-Shabab.

It remains to be seen how soldiers, including some US defense officials, will cope in the absence of aid from Trump’s government.

However, not all hope is lost after a court ruling by US District Judge Amir Ali on February 13, 2025, ordered the continuation of funding for any contracts, grants, or loans that were in place at the end of the Biden administration.

Judge Amir Ali issued the order on Thursday in the US District Court in Washington in a lawsuit brought by two health organisations that receive US funding for programmes abroad.