Protests in the UK demand cuts to foreign aid for Kenya, following U.S. funding freezes. Activists emphasize the need for investigations into non-priority spending, pushing for more responsible financial allocations. The UK government faces pressure to rethink its aid strategy amidst concerns about dependency and waste in foreign grants.
Recent protests in the United Kingdom have erupted over proposals to cut funding to Kenya, which is a significant recipient of UK foreign aid. Activists are pushing for investigations into billions of shillings allocated to non-priority programs, including substantial funding for a conference aimed at combating gender-based disinformation. Currently, Britain allocates approximately £15 billion (Ksh2.4 trillion) annually on overseas aid, with £9 billion (Ksh1.46 trillion) managed by the Foreign Office.
The protests gained momentum following the recent freeze on foreign aid to Kenya by U.S. President Donald Trump. UK citizens are urging their government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to adopt a similar approach by freezing aid to various countries, including Kenya. Protesters argue that such funding cuts could reduce waste in foreign grants and redirect resources to more critical needs.
Critics of current aid practices claim that the freezing of donations could motivate recipient countries to develop more sustainable solutions instead of relying on external financial assistance. Additional countries that could be affected by similar funding cuts include Somalia, Jordan, Nepal, and India, among others.
The push for these cuts intensified after Trump’s executive order halted humanitarian aid and other grants to Kenya. The initiative resulted in the termination of numerous aid programs focused on environmental efforts and diversity. UK officials emphasize the need for aid reform, with Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds suggesting a shift in resources toward defense spending given global pressures.
Reynolds stated that “the whole Cabinet, the whole Government, I think most people in this country recognize the pressures the world is under, and that more will have to be spent on defense.” This acknowledgment reflects the UK government’s response to external economic realities while managing its commitments to foreign aid, particularly to significant partners like Kenya.
The ongoing protests in the UK highlight increasing demands for scrutiny over foreign aid to Kenya, particularly following freezes on funding by other nations, including the U.S. The debate centers around responsible spending of UK taxpayers’ money, with advocates calling for cuts to non-essential aid programs. As the UK government considers its aid strategy, questions about financial dependency and sustainable development for recipient countries will remain critical topics for discussion.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
