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Trump’s Executive Order Freezes Foreign Aid

Trump's Executive Order Freezes Foreign Aid

Just after Donald Trump’s swearing in for his second term, he signed several executive orders. One of the orders pauses foreign development aid for 90 days.

The pause allows the administration to review the efficiency and alignment of foreign aid programs.

The executive order directs U.S. department heads to stop new aid obligations and disbursements immediately. It is unclear which programs, countries, or organizations will be affected.

This freeze could impact Kenya. Last year, Kenya signed agreements worth Sh10 billion with the Biden administration. In May 2024, President William Ruto visited the White House. During the visit, he signed four agreements with President Biden.

These agreements covered education, health, security, climate, and trade.

A key deal was the launch of the US-Kenya Climate and Clean Energy Industrial Partnership. This partnership aimed to attract investment in clean energy manufacturing.

As part of the deal, Kenya received a $60 million (Sh7.76 billion) grant from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). This funding will support a four-year program to address transportation needs in underserved areas.

Kenya became the first sub-Saharan African country to receive the Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) designation. This designation brings benefits in defense trade and security cooperation. The deal also includes a $7 million (Sh905.46 million) partnership to modernize Kenya’s National Police Service through training and development.

The U.S. and Kenya agreed to support Somalia’s fight against terrorism and push for a ceasefire in Sudan. The U.S. pledged $3.3 million (Sh427.02 million) to help 60 Kenyan students study STEM in the U.S. It also promised $500,000 (Sh64.7 million) to strengthen ties between Kenyan and U.S. universities.

The aid freeze could disrupt these initiatives, leaving Kenya’s development plans uncertain.

Also read: Nairobi County Rolls Out Plans for a Cleaner and Safer City

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