Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has openly rebuked African leaders for lamenting the withdrawal of U.S. foreign aid following President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 90-day freeze on foreign assistance programs. Speaking as the chief guest at the East Africa Region Global Health Security Summit in Mombasa, Kenyatta emphasized the need for African nations to embrace self-reliance and resource optimization.
Context of Trump’s Aid Freeze
Upon his inauguration, President Trump signed an executive order halting foreign aid spending, including key initiatives like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and USAID. These cuts have significantly impacted global efforts to combat diseases such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, with African countries being among the hardest hit.
In response, many African leaders called on the U.S. administration to reconsider its stance. However, Kenyatta dismissed these appeals, stating, “Why are you crying? It’s not your country. He has no reason to give you anything; you don’t pay taxes in America.”
A Call for Self-Reliance
Kenyatta urged African leaders to view the funding cuts as a wake-up call to re-evaluate their dependency on foreign aid. He highlighted the need to address domestic challenges, optimize resource allocation, and invest in self-sustaining systems.
“It is time for us to use our resources for the right things. We are the ones using them for the wrong things,” Kenyatta asserted.
Lessons from Kenya’s COVID-19 Response
Drawing from his administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenyatta cited measures like lockdowns, mask mandates, and Cabinet pay cuts as examples of resourceful decision-making during crises. He stressed the importance of preparedness and strategic planning for future health emergencies.
A Platform for Regional Collaboration
The summit, which runs until Thursday, focuses on enhancing health security through regional partnerships. Discussions cover preparedness for health threats like COVID-19 and Mpox, emphasizing the importance of research, academia, and domestic investments.
Moving Forward
Kenyatta’s remarks underscore the necessity for African nations to reduce reliance on foreign aid and take ownership of their development agendas. While the U.S. aid cuts pose immediate challenges, they also provide an opportunity for Africa to strengthen its independence and resilience.
