Secretary-General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Davji Atellah has called on Kenya to prioritize investment in its health and development sectors following the announcement of a temporary suspension of US foreign aid by President Donald Trump.
In a statement shared on his X account on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, Atellah stressed the implications of the 90-day freeze, particularly for Kenya, which relies heavily on US assistance for essential health programs such as PEPFAR, HIV treatment, and the Global Fund, as well as broader security and development initiatives.
“Donald Trump’s decision to pause US foreign aid for 90 days to reassess its alignment with ‘America First’ priorities poses a critical question for Kenya: What happens when the lifeline of donor funding is disrupted?” Atellah wrote.
He highlighted the potential derailment of progress in key areas, warning that millions of Kenyans could face heightened risks if these funds are not restored.
Atellah’s plea to govt
The KMPDU leader urged the government to treat this development as a wake-up call. He called for urgent reforms to address corruption and enhance public spending efficiency, emphasizing that such measures are crucial to safeguarding critical services and reducing dependency on foreign aid.
“With Kenya heavily reliant on US aid for health programs like PEPFAR, HIV treatment, and the Global Fund, as well as security and development initiatives, this decision threatens to derail progress and put millions at risk. How can Kenya safeguard its health and development agenda amid shrinking donor support? Is it time for the government to root out corruption, and ensure efficient public spending to protect critical services,” the KMPDU boss added.
Donald Trump’s decision to pause US foreign aid for 90 days to reassess its alignment with “America First” priorities poses a critical question for Kenya: What happens when the lifeline of donor funding is disrupted?
With Kenya heavily reliant on US aid for health programs like…
— Davji Bhimji Atellah (@Davji) January 21, 2025
Trump’s order
US President Donald Trump issued the executive order on Monday, January 20, 2025, just hours after being sworn into office for a second term.
The directive temporarily halts all new obligations and disbursements of US development assistance for 90 days while the administration evaluates its alignment with its foreign policy.
“All department and agency heads responsible for United States foreign development assistance programs shall immediately pause new obligations and disbursements of development assistance funds,” the order stated.
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