Details of CS Mbadi’s Meeting with US Ambassador Amid US’ Foreign Aid Freeze

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi held discussions with Chargé d’Affaires Marc Dillard at his office on Tuesday, March 4.

In a statement, the National Treasury said the two leaders discussed recent Executive Orders signed by U.S. President Donald Trump and its implications for Kenya. 

"Acknowledging the significance of this development, the meeting emphasized the importance of sustained engagement between Kenya and the United States to assess any potential impacts, particularly on development programs and organizations operating in Kenya, and to explore collaborative solutions to any emerging challenges," the statement read. 

Despite the temporary suspension, the U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to key humanitarian initiatives. 

"The Chargé d’Affaires reaffirmed continued U.S. support for the Haiti program, food assistance, and other life-saving initiatives," the statement concluded.

At the same time, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen held discussions with humanitarian assistance partners led by United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kenya Dr. Stephen Jackson.

In a statement after the Tuesday meeting, Murkomen raised alarms about the increasing strain on the government's ability to support refugees and asylum seekers in light of recent aid freezes and significant budget cuts for humanitarian assistance programs

"Following recent aid freezes and budget cuts for humanitarian assistance programs by developed countries, the impact on our country's ability to host refugees and asylum seekers, which number over 800,000 people, has been sudden and severe."

"Just yesterday, refugees in Kakuma protested over the reduction in food portions provided by the World Food Program (WFP), which is now only able to offer 40% of the basic minimum ratio. This reduction has created a dire situation for thousands of vulnerable people who depend on this assistance for survival," he stated.

Murkomen emphasized that Kenya has played a crucial role in hosting refugees fleeing conflict in neighboring countries for over three decades.

He noted that with the diminishing financial support from donor countries, the socio-economic consequences are becoming unbearable for the nation.

"Our country has hosted refugees fleeing conflicts in the region for over 3 decades. We shoulder the burden of healthcare, education, food, and security. With the cut in funding for humanitarian assistance programs by the developed world, the socio-economic impact on our country will be unbearable," he added.