Big blow for Kenya as US government suspends funding

david nganga

May 9, 2017 12:41 PM

Agency to suspend aid till 'certain conditions are met'.

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The US government has suspended USAID’s funding for all activities carried out by the Ministry of Health with immediate effect.

The agency, through its contracting officer, Brian Woody, argued that some “unspecified conditions” are yet to be met by some of the implementing partners.

All activities remain suspended and the agency’s officials have been asked to cease doing any business with the Health department.

“This suspension impacts all MoH departments until such a time as specific conditions have been met. If your organisation is directly impacted by this suspension, you will receive a separate letter suspending activities and assistance to the MOH,” read part of the statement in Mr.Woody’s letter.

It further stated, “However, whether you receive a separate letter or not, you are to refrain from any activities further specified in this letter and or inform your contacting or agreement officer immediately.”

In addition, activities such as salaries and wages, operations, domestic and international travels and workshops have been put on hold.

“Activities such as participation in meetings such as technical working groups, coordination committees, steering committees, intergovernmental fora or other similar groups with the MoH are suspended.”

Furthermore, the US government stated that it shall not reimburse any activities conducted with the MoH during the period of suspension.

USAID is involved in a number of programs in the Health Ministry that include maternal and child health, malaria, TB, HIV/AIDS among others.

It remains unclear how long the suspension will be in place or the circumstances that prompted it.

The US government will meet with representatives of the affected programs on Wednesday morning for an informal meeting at the Lord Errol hotel in Nairobi.

david nganga