Kenya is expected to be one of the African nations most affected by former President Donald Trump’s decision to halt U.S. aid, especially when it comes to national security matters.
Following Trump’s executive orders, Kenya now faces the daunting task of defending itself against terrorism threats without the crucial support it once received from the United States.
Among African countries, Kenya ranks third in terms of foreign aid dedicated to global security, trailing only Egypt and Somalia. The country had been receiving more than Ksh2.7 billion (USD 21 million) in security assistance.
In the past, the U.S. was committed to funding the Anti-Terrorism Assistance program, which aimed to enhance the ability of allied nations to combat extremist threats. However, nearly all aspects of this program have now been halted, leaving U.S. officials, as reported by the Washington Post, grappling with the consequences.
The freeze has also affected U.S. defense personnel stationed in high-risk regions, including parts of Kenya. Some of these officials have expressed concerns about their safety, with some uncertain about whether their government will fund their return to the U.S. after their deployments end.
The withdrawal of U.S. security aid could pose serious risks in the near future, particularly since a recent report by a U.N. panel of experts indicated that the threat of terrorism remains strong.
Terrorist groups may increasingly target more vulnerable African countries, and Kenya could be a prime target due to the substantial anti-terrorism assistance it has historically received from the U.S.
A key border security program, which had been heavily reliant on U.S.-provided drones for surveillance, detection, and neutralization of militants, has now been suspended.
These drones were essential in detecting potential threats, and they helped Kenyan soldiers uncover hidden water supplies, stored in jerrycans, that were placed in remote locations by the Al-Shabaab terror group.
It remains uncertain how Kenyan soldiers, along with U.S. defense personnel, will manage without the support they had grown accustomed to from the U.S. government under Trump’s leadership.
Nevertheless, there is a glimmer of hope, as a ruling by U.S. District Judge Amir Ali on February 13, 2025, mandated that funding for contracts, grants, or loans established before the Biden administration’s end must continue.
This ruling came after a lawsuit was filed by two health organizations that depend on U.S. funding for their international programs. Judge Ali’s order was issued in Washington, signaling a possible lifeline for ongoing projects, including those related to security.
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