Kenya Breaking News Breaking News Now
London, UK – February 17, 2025
Protests have erupted in the United Kingdom, with demonstrators calling for a freeze on multimillion-pound aid funding to Kenya. The protesters are demanding investigations into the alleged misallocation of UK grants to non-priority programs in the East African nation.
According to a report by The Sun, Britain allocates approximately £15 billion (Ksh2.4 trillion) annually to overseas aid, with £9 billion (Ksh1.46 trillion) managed by the Foreign Office. The report highlighted that the UK recently spent Ksh17.8 million (£110,000) on a conference in Kenya aimed at addressing gender-based disinformation, raising concerns over funding priorities.
Trump’s Influence on Foreign Aid Cuts
The protests come in the wake of a similar move by U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently signed an executive order freezing humanitarian aid and grants to Kenya. His administration, under the newly appointed Department of Government Efficiency, led by billionaire Elon Musk, swiftly cut funding for various programs deemed non-essential. This resulted in the shutdown of multiple aid, environmental, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) projects.
Inspired by Trump’s decision, UK protesters are pressuring Prime Minister Keir Starmer to follow suit and reallocate aid funds. They argue that freezing donations would curb financial waste and push recipient countries toward more sustainable economic strategies.
Kenya and Other Countries at Risk
Should the UK implement the aid freeze, Kenya could face significant funding shortfalls alongside other aid-dependent nations, including Somalia, Jordan, Nepal, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Colombia, India, Thailand, and Albania.
UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds acknowledged the growing calls for aid cuts, emphasizing that Britain must reassess its financial priorities.
“The government recognizes the pressures the world is under. More resources will have to be redirected towards defense and other critical areas,” Reynolds stated.
With pressure mounting, the UK government now faces a crucial decision on whether to follow the US in slashing aid or continue supporting development initiatives
in Kenya and beyond.
