In terms of national security, Donald Trump’s decision to suspend US aid is expected to have the greatest impact on Kenya of all the African nations.
Kenya will now have to deal with the potential of thwarting terrorist attacks without the crucial assistance from the United States following Trump’s executive actions.
Kenya receives more than Ksh2.7 billion (USD 21 million) in foreign funding for global security, making it the third-largest recipient in Africa behind Egypt and Somalia.
The Anti-Terrorism Assistance program, which aimed to strengthen partners’ ability to counter extremist threats, was previously funded by the US. Now, almost all of the program’s operations have been halted, and some US officials have told the Washington Post about their predicament.
U.S. defense officials stationed in several war-prone areas, including sections of Kenya, have also been impacted by the decision. Some of these officials told the Washington Post that they were worried about their personal safety following Trump’s directives and that they were not sure if their nation would pay for their return.
Given that a recent study by a U.N. panel of experts indicated that the threats posed by terror groups remain pervasive and that they are likely to move their focus to more vulnerable African nations, the withdrawal of security aid from the United States is likely to portend trouble in the near future.
Kenya is probably in this category because of the significant anti-terrorism aid that the United States provides to the country.
Drones supplied by the United States were used in a crucial border program that has since been halted to monitor, identify, and apprehend extremists.
These surveillance systems are essential because they have assisted Kenyan troops in identifying and thwarting terrorist threats. On one occasion, soldiers found water stockpiles in jerricans that al-Shabab had concealed in isolated locations.
It’s unclear how troops—including certain US defense officials—will fare without Trump’s government assistance.
On February 13, 2025, US District Judge Amir Ali issued a court decision that ordered the continuation of funding for any contracts, grants, or loans that were in place at the conclusion of the Biden administration, thus there is still hope.
Two health organizations that get US financing for programs overseas filed a complaint against the US District Court in Washington, and Judge Amir Ali issued the ruling on Thursday.
