Silverio Omari
The Kenyan government has formally expressed concerns to the Ford Foundation regarding its recent funding activities in the country. In a letter dated July 18, 2024, addressed to Mr. Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation, Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’Oei raised alarms that some of the foundation’s grantees might be contributing to ongoing protests in Kenya.
The letter details that between April 2023 and May 2024, the Ford Foundation provided USD 5.78 million (approximately Ksh. 752 million) to several non-state organizations, including:
- Africa Uncensored Limited (Project Mulika): USD 250,000
- Women’s Link Worldwide: USD 750,000
- Centre for Resource Mobilization and Development: USD 20,000
- Transform Empowerment for Action Initiative: USD 220,000
- Kenya Human Rights Commission: USD 600,000
- Open Institute Trust: USD 100,000
- Africa Centre for Open Governance: USD 200,000
- Transparency International: USD 300,000
- The Institute for Social Accountability (TISA): USD 200,000
- National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders (K): USD 257,000
- Shining Hope for Communities Inc.: USD 2,050,000
- Coalition for Grassroots Human Rights Defenders Kenya: USD 250,000
- Community Aid International: USD 100,000
- Mzalendo Trust: USD 335,000
- Usikimye (Femicide): USD 30,000
- Citizens Advancement Initiative: USD 150,000
The letter specifically highlights concern over “unexplained expedited” funding of USD 1.49 million (approximately Ksh. 194 million) received in the past month. The Kenyan government cautioned that these substantial funds must be used responsibly to avoid potential misuse for harmful purposes.
It also accused certain grantees of activities that may contravene Kenyan laws, including incitement, hate speech, and the use of disinformation, potentially breaching the Ford Foundation’s Non-Lobbying Policy.
The letter questioned whether the foundation has abandoned its Non-Lobbying Policy and if it is now attempting to influence Kenya’s internal political and policy processes. The Kenyan government has demanded that the Ford Foundation provide comprehensive details on grantees, approved programs, budgets, and disbursements over the past year. It also seeks reports from grantees on their activities, costs, and beneficiaries, and a statement on the applicability of the Non-Lobbying Policy in Kenya.
The government has requested the Foundation to impose sanctions for any legal or policy breaches. The Ford Foundation has been under scrutiny after President William Ruto accused it of funding anti-government protests. The foundation, established in 1936 by Edsel Ford, aims to advance social justice and promote democratic values globally.
Dj Vnyash
