Kenya Foreign Ministry has issued a stern warning to the US-based Ford Foundation regarding the utilisation of donor funds and adherence to the country’s laws.
The warning was delivered during a high-level meeting between officials from Kenya’s Foreign Ministry and a delegation from the Ford Foundation. This meeting was prompted by a letter from Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei to the foundation’s president on July 18, raising concerns over funding practices.
During the meeting, Sing’Oei emphasised that the government expects the Ford Foundation to rigorously monitor all grant beneficiaries to ensure compliance with the terms of cooperation agreements and Kenyan law. Any significant deviations, particularly those conflicting with national interests, would attract sanctions.
Sing’Oei described the meeting as ‘constructive and candid,’ focusing on the responsible utilisation of donor funds amid concerns following deadly anti-government protests in Kenya.
The Ford Foundation’s delegation was led by Martin Abregu, Vice President for International Programmes, and Nishka Chandrasoma, Vice President and General Counsel, representing the foundation’s president, Darren Walker.
President William Ruto’s administration has faced intense scrutiny following violent protests over the past month, resulting in at least 50 deaths and widespread property damage. Ruto accused foreign organisations, including the Ford Foundation, of funding the protests.
In a statement in Swahili, Ruto questioned, ‘I want to ask the people at the Ford Foundation: What benefit do they gain from funding chaos?’
He added, ‘We are going to call them out, and we are going to tell them if they are not interested in democracy in Kenya, if they are going to sponsor violence and anarchy, they either style up or leave.’
This stern warning highlights the Kenyan government’s firm stance on ensuring that donor funds are used responsibly and in accordance with national laws.
