Non-state organisations in Kenya could be affected by President Donald Trump’s decision to pull the United States from 66 global United Nations agencies.
Kenya hosts several of the affected agencies, raising concern that Trump’s move could cut funding, trigger job losses, and force the shutdown of critical humanitarian programmes.
The US is one of the biggest funders of the United Nations-affiliated agencies, and its withdrawal could jeopardise effective funding.
Trump signed the executive order on Wednesday, January 7, withdrawing from the organisations, agencies and commissions following his administration’s review of participation in and funding the entities.
“I have considered the Secretary of State’s report and, after deliberating with my Cabinet, have determined that it is contrary to the interests of the US to remain a member of or support the organisations listed,” Trump said.
“I hereby direct all executive departments and agencies to take immediate steps to effectuate the withdrawal of the US from these organisations,” he added.
Most of the organisations listed in the executive order published by the White House are entities that focus on climate change, labour and migration, with many of them related to the United Nations.
Among the affected organisations is the UN Human Settlements Programme, commonly referred to as UN-Habitat, whose headquarters are located in Nairobi.
UN-Habitat primarily supports urban planning, affordable housing, and sustainable urban development. It also aids governments in developing national and local urban policies, legislation, and regulatory frameworks.
Trump also pulled out of the UN Women agency, a key global body that supports programmes combating gender-based violence and advancing women’s rights in countries such as Kenya.
Additionally, the US President halted funding to Education Cannot Wait, which supports education in Kenya and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), which supports reproductive health, youth programs, and population data.
Also affected is the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (PFPAD), which helps in promoting racial equality and inclusion in Kenya and across the continent.
The US also announced its withdrawal from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which provides climate-related assessments for Kenya and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Other organisations that will also see funding cuts from the US include Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century, which provides policy guidance used by Kenya’s energy planners.
Regarding regional security, Kenya’s efforts to fight the Al-Shabaab militants could be impacted after Trump ordered America’s withdrawal from the Global Counterterrorism Forum.
The Forum supports Kenya’s fight against terrorism and also helps to strengthen counterterrorism laws while upholding human rights.
Trump’s latest decision comes hardly a year after he suspended funding to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID).