The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), for decades the largest and most influential foreign aid agency globally, has officially shut down its operations. This momentous decision, driven by a shift in U.S. foreign policy under the "America First" agenda, marks the end of an era for humanitarian assistance and sustainable development worldwide, with profound implications that extend far beyond any single nation like Kenya.
Established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, USAID was conceived as a symbol of American compassion and strategic engagement, aiming to promote democratic governance, economic growth, and humanitarian assistance in developing countries. Over 64 years, it operated in more than 100 nations, becoming a veritable lifeline for millions. Its vast portfolio encompassed critical sectors such as global health, education, agriculture, infrastructure development, and swift disaster relief. USAID was instrumental in combating infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, providing life-saving treatments through programs such as PEPFAR (the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief). It championed maternal and child health, improved access to quality education, fostered democratic institutions, and responded to countless humanitarian crises, preventing an estimated 91 million deaths between 2001 and 2021.
The controversial decision to dismantle USAID stems from the current U.S. administration's commitment to reducing what it describes as "wasteful foreign spending" and reorienting foreign assistance to align strictly with American national interests. Critics within the administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have characterized USAID's traditional "charity-based" model as inefficient and contributing to a "bloated, politicized, and outdated" system. The closure, which saw the majority of USAID programs canceled by March and remaining operations absorbed into the State Department, was overseen by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The new directive, articulated by Secretary Rubio, is to prioritize "strategic partnerships and trade, not handouts."
The global ramifications of USAID's withdrawal are projected to be catastrophic. Studies published in reputable journals, such as The Lancet, warn of a potential 14 million additional deaths globally by 2030, including over 4.5 million children under the age of five. This stark projection signifies a devastating reversal of decades of progress in global health. Beyond Kenya, countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia are bracing for severe impacts.
In the health sector, a looming crisis is undeniable. The cessation of USAID funding is expected to lead to critical shortages of essential medications, particularly for HIV/AIDS treatment, and the closure of clinics that have been mainstays of community health. For millions reliant on these programs, the future is uncertain, with experts warning of massive increases in preventable deaths. The robust infrastructure for disease prevention and treatment, painstakingly built over years, is now at severe risk of collapse.
Beyond healthcare, the global impact stretches across numerous vital sectors:
Humanitarian Response: USAID's unparalleled emergency response capabilities, including famine early warning systems and rapid crisis interventions, are now severely diminished. Organizations like the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF, which heavily relied on USAID funding for operations in conflict zones and disaster-stricken regions, face immense funding gaps, leading to exacerbated food insecurity and humanitarian displacement.
Education and Economic Development: The abrupt cancellation of educational programs across 58 countries will disrupt access to quality learning for vulnerable groups, including girls and refugees, potentially reversing progress on Sustainable Development Goal 4. Simultaneously, the abandonment of crucial infrastructure projects—from rural electrification to clean water initiatives—and the collapse of local incubators threaten to stall economic development and exacerbate poverty in already fragile states.
Governance and Stability: USAID's significant investment in strengthening democratic governance, fostering civil society, and promoting human rights has been critical for stability in many vulnerable regions. The withdrawal of this support risks undermining fragile peace processes and contributing to increased instability.
Loss of Expertise: The absorption of USAID's functions into the State Department raises concerns about diluting the agency's specialized technical expertise, potentially shifting development priorities towards short-term foreign policy goals at the expense of sustainable, long-term development.
NGOs and Civil Society: Non-governmental organizations worldwide, many of which depended on USAID grants, face unprecedented funding disruptions and increased competition for a shrinking pool of resources, jeopardizing countless grassroots initiatives.
The international community, including former U.S. presidents and global leaders, has largely condemned USAID's shutdown, with the United Nations calling it the worst funding crisis the humanitarian sector has ever faced. While some recipient countries have been criticized for not fully aligning with U.S. interests or for alleged misuse of funds, the overwhelming sentiment is one of deep concern for the lives and livelihoods that will be irrevocably impacted.
