Kenyan Government Exposes Ford Foundation’s Funded Organizations, Seeks Clarifications
- Jiupdate reporter
- Jul 19, 2024
- 2 min read
The Kenyan government has officially raised concerns with the Ford Foundation over its recent funding activities, suggesting these funds may be fueling ongoing protests in the country.
In a detailed letter addressed to Mr. Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation, Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Korir Sing’Oei outlined the government's apprehensions. The letter, dated July 18, 2024, indicates that between April 2023 and May 2024, the foundation disbursed USD 5.78 million (approximately Ksh.752 million) to several non-state recipients. The government fears that some of these funds may be misused to incite unrest.
Funding Breakdown and Concerns
The PS provided a list of 16 entities that received funding, highlighting significant beneficiaries such as:
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 is particularly alarmed by an "unexplained expedited" funding of USD 1.49 million (approximately Ksh.194 million) disbursed in 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 stated.
Accusations of Law Contraventions
The letter accuses some grantees of engaging in activities that breach Kenyan laws, including incitement, hate speech, and disinformation campaigns. This is seen as a violation of 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 reads.
Demands for Transparency
The Kenyan government demands that the Ford Foundation provide comprehensive details of grantees, approved programs, budgets, and disbursements over the past year. Additionally, they seek reports from grantees detailing their activities, costs, and beneficiaries, as well as a statement on the foundation’s adherence to its Non-Lobbying Policy in Kenya.
Furthermore, the government has called for the Ford Foundation to prescribe sanctions for any breaches of the law or internal policies.
Ford Foundation Under Scrutiny
The Ford Foundation has come under intense scrutiny following accusations by President William Ruto that it is financing the ongoing anti-government protests. Last week, President Ruto blamed the foundation for 'funding anarchy' and instigating violence.
On Tuesday, the US-based organization rejected these accusations, maintaining that it does not sponsor anarchy or fund protests. Established in 1936 by Edsel Ford, the foundation aims to advance social justice and promote democratic values globally.
As the situation unfolds, the spotlight remains on the Ford Foundation and its activities in Kenya. The international community watches closely to see how both the foundation and the Kenyan government navigate these contentious allegations.
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