Kenyan youth Protesters

Government Raises Concerns

The Kenyan government officially contacted the Ford Foundation. They expressed serious concerns about the American organization’s recent funding activities. In a letter to Ford Foundation President Darren Walker, the government suggested that some grantees might be fueling ongoing protests.

Funding Details Revealed

Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’Oei wrote the letter dated July 18, 2024. He highlighted that between April 2023 and May 2024, several non-state recipients received a total of USD 5.78 million (approximately Ksh.752 million) from the Ford Foundation. The letter listed 16 entities that received funding:

• 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
• Shining 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

Expedited Funding Raises Eyebrows

More concerning was the “unexplained expedited” funding of USD 1.49 million (approximately Ksh.194 million) over the last month alone. “You will concede that the above funds disbursed to non-state recipients are substantial and must be prudently used to serve legitimate purposes or risk abuse to aid nefarious ends,” the letter noted.

Allegations of Misconduct

The government accused some grantees of engaging in activities that contravene Kenyan laws. These activities included incitement, hate speech, and mobilization using disinformation, potentially violating the Ford Foundation’s Non-Lobbying Policy. “While we recognize the importance of maintaining an open civic space and respect for the principles of open government that we both share, the actions of some of your grantees contravene the laws of Kenya, including prohibition against incitement, hate speech, insurrection and mobilization using disinformation,” the letter added. The government questioned whether the Ford Foundation has abandoned its Non-Lobbying Policy and is now intent on adversely influencing internal political and policy processes within Kenya.

Demands for Transparency

The Kenyan government demands that the Ford Foundation provide full details of grantees, approved programs, budgets, and disbursements over the past year. They also want reports from grantees detailing activities, costs, and beneficiaries, as well as a report on the Ford Foundation’s compliance with its Non-Lobbying Policy or a statement regarding its applicability in Kenya. Furthermore, the government has asked the Foundation to prescribe sanctions for any breaches of the law or internal policies.

Ford Foundation Under Scrutiny

The Ford Foundation came under the spotlight after President William Ruto blamed it for ‘funding’ the nationwide anti-government protests. On Tuesday, the US-based Ford Foundation rejected accusations by President Ruto that it was sponsoring “anarchy” and funding deadly anti-government protests. The organization, established in 1936 by Edsel Ford, the son of Ford Motor Company founder Henry Ford, operates across the world and aims to advance social justice and promote democratic values.

Ongoing Developments

The situation remains tense as the Kenyan government awaits the Ford Foundation’s response. The government’s demand for transparency and accountability underscores the seriousness of the allegations. As both parties navigate this contentious issue, the impact on Kenya’s civic space and international relations continues to unfold. The Ford Foundation’s response will be crucial in determining the next steps and addressing the concerns raised by the Kenyan government.