The Kenyan government has formally communicated its concerns to the Ford Foundation regarding recent funding activities within the country.
In a letter addressed to Mr. Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation, Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’Oei suggested that some of the foundation’s grantees may be contributing to ongoing protests.
Dated July 18, 2024, the letter highlighted substantial funding received by several non-state entities, including Africa Uncensored Limited, the Kenya Human Rights Commission, and Transparency International, totaling USD 5.78 million (approximately sh. 752 million) from the Ford Foundation between April 2023 and May 2024.
The PS also listed 16 entities that received funding from the Ford Foundation as follows:
- Africa Uncensored Limited (Project Mulika): US$ 250,000
- Women’s Link Worldwide: US$ 750,000
- Centre for Resource Mobilization and Development: US$ 20,000
- Transform Empowerment for Action Initiative: US$ 220,000
- Kenya Human Rights Commission: US$ 600,000
- Open Institute Trust: US$ 100,000
- Africa Centre for Open Governance: US$ 200,000
- Transparency International: US$ 300,000
- The Institute for Social Accountability (TISA): US$ 200,000
- National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders (K): US$ 257,000
- Shinning Hope for Communities Inc.: US$ 2,050,000
- Coalition for Grassroots Human Rights Defenders Kenya: US$ 250,000
- Community Aid International: US$ 100,000
- Mzalendo Trust: US$ 335,000
- Usikimye (Femicide): US$ 30,000
- Citizens Advancement Initiative: US$ 150,000
The government expressed unease over “unexplained expedited” funding amounting to USD 1.49 million (approximately sh. 194 million) in the past month alone.
It emphasized the importance of ensuring funds are used responsibly for legitimate purposes, cautioning against potential misuse for illicit activities.
Moreover, the letter accused some grantees of activities contrary to Kenyan laws, such as incitement, hate speech, and disinformation mobilization, possibly violating the Ford Foundation’s Non-Lobbying Policy.
It raised concerns about whether the foundation’s actions align with principles of open governance and non-interference in Kenya’s internal political processes.
The Kenyan government demanded comprehensive information from the Ford Foundation, including detailed reports on grantees, program specifics, budgets, and disbursements over the previous year.
They also requested reports detailing activities, expenditures, and beneficiaries of funded programs, along with clarification on the foundation’s adherence to its Non-Lobbying Policy within Kenya.
In response to allegations linking the Ford Foundation to nationwide protests, the government urged transparency and accountability, including potential sanctions for any breaches of law or internal policies.
This development underscores heightened scrutiny over foreign funding and its potential influence on domestic affairs, highlighting tensions between international donor organizations and local government authorities in Kenya.
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