The uncertainty surrounding U.S. government aid to foreign nations, including Kenya, has now been clarified as the United States has begun formally notifying partners about the discontinuation of key assistance programs. On February 27, 2024, several implementing partners started receiving official letters confirming the termination of funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
One of the affected programs is USAID Tujenge Jamii, a partnership involving USAID, Deloitte, FHI 360, and Goldstar. This initiative focused on essential healthcare services, including HIV prevention and treatment, maternal health, sanitation, nutrition, and community health capacity-building.
Deloitte, which managed one of the sub-awards under this initiative, officially acknowledged the funding cut in a letter sent to Nakuru County’s Department of Medical Services. According to a report by Willow Health Media, the letter confirmed the termination of the project.
Deloitte Director Bernadette Wahogo-Irungu stated that the letter was an official termination notice for the program. A copy of the letter, as seen by Kenyans.co.ke, stated:
“Please see the attached notice regarding your indicated USAID award. Your award is being terminated for convenience and in the interest of the U.S. government, following a directive from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in his capacity as the Acting Administrator for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).”
The letter further explained that Secretary Rubio, alongside Deputy Administrator Peter Marocco, determined that the program no longer aligned with USAID’s priorities and that continuing it was not in the national interest of the United States.
The decision to cut funding was framed as a policy directive coming directly from the Acting Administrator and the individual fulfilling the role of the Deputy Administrator.
Impact of USAID Funding Cuts
The USAID Tujenge Jamii project was a crucial initiative supporting healthcare services in Kenya. Its termination means that thousands of beneficiaries relying on HIV treatment, maternal health support, and community-based health programs will be affected.
Reports from Willow Health Media suggest that similar termination notices have been sent to all USAID partners worldwide, impacting programs in multiple countries.
Additionally, the United Nations confirmed on Thursday that the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and all of its grants under USAID and the U.S. State Department have been cut. According to a report by United Nations News, UNFPA officially received a termination letter, signaling an end to its U.S.-funded projects.
These latest cuts are part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to withdraw support from various humanitarian aid organizations. Since late January, the U.S. has been reducing its funding for global humanitarian programs, leaving millions of vulnerable people without critical services and essential supplies.
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