On Monday, January 20, United States President Donald Trump wasted no time in initiating a whirlwind start to his second term, signing a slew of Executive Orders that could redefine America’s relationship with Kenya.
The sweeping directives touch on critical areas such as foreign aid, climate policy, trade, health, immigration, and gender rights—potentially reshaping key aspects of Kenya’s socio-economic landscape.
Foreign Aid: Kenya Faces Funding Uncertainty
In a surprising move, President Trump ordered a 90-day suspension of foreign development aid to assess its alignment with U.S. interests. The Executive Order criticized the global aid framework, claiming it destabilizes international harmony and fails to serve American values. Kenya, a significant beneficiary of U.S. aid, could be severely impacted, particularly in health care, where programs like HIV/AIDS treatment rely heavily on foreign funding.
This policy shift jeopardizes initiatives such as the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) commitment of Ksh4.1 billion to Kenya’s education sector, alongside other critical health and development programs.
End of Birthright Citizenship: Implications for Kenyans in the U.S.
Trump’s “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship” order introduces restrictions on birthright citizenship. Children born in the U.S. to Kenyan parents without permanent residency will no longer automatically qualify for citizenship. This could lead to statelessness for some children, particularly where Kenyan nationality laws also present challenges. Advocacy groups have already filed lawsuits to contest the policy.
Climate Policy: U.S. Exits Paris Agreement
Trump’s order to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement is another blow to Kenya, which has been a recipient of international climate finance. Projects such as the Lake Turkana Wind Power initiative, key to Kenya’s green energy agenda, may face funding shortfalls. The decision threatens Kenya’s ability to sustain its climate resilience and renewable energy programs.
WHO Withdrawal: Threat to Kenya’s Health Sector
Reigniting his contentious stance on global health, Trump signed an order to commence the U.S.’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). This decision could disrupt Kenya’s health programs funded through international mechanisms like the Global Fund, which supports critical HIV services. WHO’s Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, has urged the U.S. to reconsider.
Mass Deportations: Kenyan Immigrants Under Threat
Fulfilling a key campaign promise, Trump announced plans to deport undocumented immigrants, potentially affecting over 30,000 Kenyans living in the U.S. without legal status. With immediate enforcement anticipated, many Kenyans residing in American metropolitan areas face an uncertain future.
Trade Policy: America First Challenges Kenyan Exports
Trump’s “America First” trade directive emphasizes reducing trade deficits and renegotiating agreements. Kenya, which benefits from duty-free exports under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), could face tougher trade terms, disrupting its access to the U.S. market.
Gender Policies: Backlash on Rights Advocacy
The reinstatement of traditional gender definitions in U.S. federal policy may undermine gender-inclusive initiatives in Kenya, many of which are backed by U.S. funding. Civil society groups fear that this shift could embolden conservative voices opposing LGBTQ+ rights and gender reforms in Kenya.
Global and Domestic Reactions
The international community has raised concerns over the sweeping changes, with advocacy groups vowing to challenge several directives in court. For Kenya, the new policies signal potential disruptions across vital sectors, posing challenges that may redefine its engagement with the U.S.
As the effects of Trump’s executive actions unfold, Kenyan policymakers and stakeholders are bracing for a period of uncertainty and re-evaluation of bilateral ties.
