Hundreds of Kenyans have been rendered jobless and others risk layoffs following United States President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend aid to several countries, including Kenya.
Trump’s executive order, which halted humanitarian assistance to most third-world countries, caused unexpected disruptions to several global organisations.
The situation has now forced several government agencies and county governments to restructure their operations to accommodate the rigorous changes.
For instance, in Kisii County, the Department of Medical Services was on Friday, January 31, forced to send more than 500 workers on compulsory leave after the US government halted its funding.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati speaking on September 20, 2023
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Simba Arati
“Following the US government directive regarding the suspension of all US government-funded activities, we regret to inform you that you should not report to work henceforth and advised otherwise,” read part of the notice by Kisii County government.
The notice further read, “We understand this situation may bring uncertainty, but we appreciate your cooperation during this time.”
Speaking to the press moments after the notice, Kisii County Health Minister Robert Nyakweba confirmed the suspension of funding. He, however, noted that the county government had already begun the process of identifying possible solutions to ensure health services are not halted.
Similarly, Kenyans employed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), an independent agency of the United States responsible for humanitarian assistance across the globe, were also sent on a mandatory leave for 90 days.
Other counties affected by Trump’s directive included Kisumu and Homa Bay counties, where independent organisations funded by the US government and which provide financial assistance in the education and health sectors halted their operations.
A similar situation was witnessed at the University of Nairobi (UoN), where an unknown number of Kenyan employees working with the USAID were sent on unpaid leave.
A notice obtained by Kenyans.co.ke revealed that the UoN Faculty of Health Sciences sent all staff working under USAID’s Fahari Ya Jamii project on a three-month unpaid leave starting February 1, 2025.
Despite halting the funds to third-world countries, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently issued waivers for emergency food aid, life-saving medicine, medical services, food, shelter, and subsistence help and supplies.
A photo of the University of Nairobi Main Campus
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University of Nairobi