The government has intensified its scrutiny of the Ford Foundation, accusing the global organisation of funding protests that have destabilised the country over the past month. The latest move in this high-stakes confrontation involves a detailed request for information from the Ford Foundation concerning 16 of its grant recipients.
The government’s sharply-worded letter, dispatched on July 18, demands a comprehensive account of how grants, totalling approximately Ksh194 million, were utilised by these recipients.
In a letter to Ford Foundation President Darren Walker, the Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Abraham Korir Singoei, has called for clarity on the allocation of funds and the specific activities supported by the grants.
Singoei called on the foundation to “immediately clarify” its financial dealings by providing detailed information on its grantees over the past year. This includes a breakdown of approved programmes, particularly those in the last three months, as well as the budgets for each project, amounts disbursed, and future disbursements.
Additionally, the government requires detailed reports from these grantees, outlining the activities conducted, associated costs, and the beneficiaries involved.
Singoei also requested a report on the Ford Foundation’s adherence to its Non-Lobbying Policy or a statement clarifying if this policy does not apply to its activities in Kenya. The government has also asked for information on any sanctions the foundation may impose for violations of its own policies or Kenyan laws.
Among the organisations under the spotlight are notable entities such as Africa Uncensored Limited, Kenya Human Rights Commission, and Mzalendo Trust. The government's list includes a mix of human rights groups, media organisations, and civic bodies, all of which have been pivotal in recent protests against the government.
The government’s list includes 16 organisations under scrutiny. Notable names on the list are Africa Uncensored Limited (Project Mulika), Women's Link Worldwide, and the Centre for Resource Mobilisation and Development.
Also targeted are the Transform Empowerment for Action Initiative, Kenya Human Rights Commission, Open Institute Trust, Africa Centre for Open Governance, and Transparency International. Additional organisations include: The Institute for Social Accountability (TISA), National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders (K), Shining Hope for Communities Inc., Coalition for Grassroots Human Rights Defenders Kenya, Community Aid International, Mzalendo Trust, Usikimye (Femicide), and Citizens Advancement Initiative.
This move follows President William Ruto’s fiery allegations that the Ford Foundation is sponsoring violence and unrest in Kenya. During a recent public address, Ruto condemned the foundation, accusing it of fuelling chaos through its financial support. “If they are going to sponsor violence in Kenya,” Ruto declared, “we are going to call them out and we are going to tell them that they either style up or they leave.”
The Ford Foundation has strongly denied these claims, asserting that it maintains a strictly non-partisan stance in its grant-making activities. In response to Ruto’s accusations, the foundation stated, “While we acknowledge the right of Kenyans to peacefully advocate for a just and equitable country, we repudiate any actions or speech that are hateful or advocate violence against any institution, individual, or community.”
Singoei’s letter further demands clarity on the Ford Foundation’s adherence to its non-lobbying policy and any potential sanctions for breaches. The government has expressed deep concern over the rapid disbursement of funds, highlighting that nearly US$5.78 million was distributed to the listed grantees between April 2023 and May 2024, with an expedited funding of approximately US$1.49 million in the past month alone.
The government’s concerns extend to allegations that these organisations have been central to anti-government protests, which have disrupted national peace and security. The administration argues that the substantial funds received by these organisations must be used for legitimate purposes, cautioning against potential misuse for inciting violence or unrest.
The scrutiny comes amidst growing tensions between the Kenyan government and civil society organisations, with accusations of the latter’s involvement in undermining state authority.
