Kenya has suffered a major setback after the United States President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending America's support for 66 organisations, with some linked to Kenya.
Trump signed the executive order on Wednesday, January 7, withdrawing from the organisations, agencies and commissions following his administration's review of participation in and funding the entities.
Most of the organisations listed in the executive order published by the White House are entities that focus on climate change, labour and migration, with many of them related to the United Nations.
Among the affected organisations is the UN Human Settlements Programme, commonly referred to as UN-Habitat, whose headquarters are located in Nairobi.
The UN-Habitat primarily supports urban planning, affordable housing, and sustainable urban development. It supports governments in developing national and local urban policies, legislation, and regulatory frameworks.
The United States also pulled out of the UN Women agency, a key global body that supports programmes combating gender-based violence and advancing women’s rights in countries such as Kenya.
In addition, President Trump halted funding to Education Cannot Wait, which supports education in Kenya and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), which supports reproductive health, youth programs, and population data.
Others are the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (PFPAD), which helps in promoting racial equality and inclusion in Kenya and across the continent.
The U.S. also announced its withdrawal from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which provides climate-related assessments for Kenya and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Similarly, other organisations that will also see funding cuts from the U.S. include Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century, which provides policy guidance used by Kenya’s energy planners.
On the other hand, Kenya's efforts to fight the Al-Shabaab militants have also been impacted after Trump ordered America's withdrawal from the Global Counterterrorism Forum.
The counterterrorism organisation supports Kenya’s fight against terrorism and also helps to strengthen counterterrorism laws while upholding human rights.
"I have considered the Secretary of State’s report and, after deliberating with my Cabinet, have determined that it is contrary to the interests of the U.S. to remain a member of or support the organisations listed," Trump said.
"I hereby direct all executive departments and agencies to take immediate steps to effectuate the withdrawal of the U.S. from these organisations," he added.
Trump's latest decision comes hardly a year after he suspended funding to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
