National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary, John Mbadi, revealed that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through the US government, has shut down 85 programs operating in Kenya.
During a session before the Senate on Wednesday, March 5, Mbadi explained that USAID had previously supported around 100 programs in the country.
However, due to recent changes, only 15 of these programs will continue to receive funding from the agency.
“The programs that were running in this country numbered around a hundred. With this Executive Order, the number may be reduced to 15,” Mbadi stated.
In response to questions from the Senate, Mbadi also outlined the areas that USAID had funded in Kenya, highlighting key sectors such as education, food security, and governance.
“I wish to state, Mr. Speaker, that attached to my written response is the list of the United States Agency for International Development funding programs in Kenya related to Education, Food Security, and Governance,” Mbadi added.
Regarding education, he shared that USAID allocated USD 22.3 million to enhance teacher training, particularly in improving early grade literacy across public primary schools.
The funding also supported Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Kilifi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Machakos, aligning their training with the needs of various industries.
Scholarships for youth to attend these TVETs and assistance to the newly established Open University of Kenya were also part of the support, aiming to build effective instructional systems and forge partnerships with the private sector and international universities.
On the governance front, USAID directed USD 8.6 million towards various programs.
Additionally, in the area of food security, the agency provided a significant USD 128 million, funding a range of initiatives.
This included supporting NGOs and programs in refugee camps such as those in Dadaab, as well as promoting better farming practices.
The funding also bolstered county governments, NGOs, and UN agencies, particularly in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) regions.
Moreover, USAID’s contributions played a crucial role in providing relief and food distribution to over 2.5 million Kenyans.