The government has stepped up scrutiny of the Ford Foundation, accusing the international organization of funding protests that have destabilized the country over the past month. The latest move in this critical conflict is to ask the Ford Foundation to provide detailed information about 16 of its grant recipients.
The government’s scathing letter, sent on July 18, demanded a comprehensive explanation of how the grants, totalling about 194 million Kenyan shillings, were used by these recipients.
In a letter to Ford Foundation President Darren Walker, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Abraham Korir Singoei asked for clarity on the allocation of the grant money and the specific activities that will be supported by the grant.
Shingoei called on the foundation to provide detailed information on grant recipients for the past year and “immediately disclose” financial transactions, including a breakdown of approved programs, especially for the past three months, the budget for each project, the amount spent and future spending.
Additionally, the government requires these grant recipients to submit detailed reports outlining the activities carried out, the associated costs, and the beneficiaries involved.
Mr. Shingoei also asked for a report on whether the Ford Foundation complies with its anti-lobbying policy or a statement clarifying whether the policy does not apply to its activities in Kenya. The government also wants information on sanctions that could be imposed if the foundation violates its policy or Kenyan law.
Investigative journalist John Allan Nam and the Africa Uncensored team appeared before the Senate Agriculture Committee on April 3, 2024.
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John Alan Nam
Among the groups in the spotlight are well-known organisations such as Africa Uncensored Limited, the Kenya Human Rights Commission and the Mzalendo Trust. The government’s list includes a mix of human rights groups, media organisations and civil society organisations, all of which have played central roles in recent protests against the government.
The government’s list includes 16 organisations under investigation. Notable names on the list include Africa Uncensored Limited (Project ‘Murika), Women’s Link Worldwide and the Centre for Resource Mobilisation and Development.
Also targeted are the Transform Empowerment for Action Initiative, Kenya Human Rights Commission, Open Institute Trust, Africa Centre for Open Governance and Transparency International. Other organizations targeted include The Institute for Social Accountability (TISA), National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders (K), Shining Hope for Communities Inc., Coalition for Grassroots Human Rights Defenders Kenya, Community Aid International, Mzalendo Trust, Usikimye (Femicide) and Citizens Advancement Initiative.
The move follows President William Ruto’s fierce condemnation of the Ford Foundation for supporting violence and unrest in Kenya. In a recent speech, President Ruto denounced the foundation, accusing it of stoking unrest through its financial support. “If they try to support violence in Kenya, we will condemn them and tell them to either clean up or get out,” President Ruto declared.
The Ford Foundation strongly denies these allegations and maintains that it is strictly neutral in its grant-making activities. In response to Ruto’s accusations, the foundation said, “While we recognize the right of Kenyans to peacefully advocate for a just and equal country, we condemn any actions or statements that promote hate or violence against any organization, individual or community.”
Shingoei’s letter further seeks clarification on the Ford Foundation’s compliance with its anti-lobbying policy and possible sanctions for any violations. The government expresses deep concern over the rapid disbursement of funds, highlighting that approximately $5.78 million was distributed to listed grant recipients between April 2023 and May 2024, with approximately $1.49 million in emergency funds disbursed last month alone.
The government’s concerns extend to allegations that these organisations have been at the centre of anti-government protests and have undermined the peace and security of the nation. The government has maintained that the large amounts of funding received by these organisations must be used for legitimate purposes, warning that they could be misused to incite violence and unrest.
The investigation comes amid growing tensions between the Kenyan government and civil society groups, which have been accused of undermining state power.
Police officers on horseback during a finance bill protest in Nairobi.
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Uzalend News
