Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged Africans to stop relying on US foreign aid, following its suspension by Donald Trump. Speaking at a regional summit, he emphasized self-reliance and better resource management. His remarks sparked debate, with critics questioning his leadership on economic independence during his tenure.
Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged Africans to stop lamenting the suspension of US foreign aid by former US President Donald Trump, emphasizing the need for self-reliance. Speaking at the East Africa Region Global Health Security Summit, Kenyatta criticized those reacting emotionally to the aid freeze, questioning why they expected continued financial support from a foreign government.
“I saw people crying over Trump’s decision. But why? He is not your president, and America is not obligated to support you,” Kenyatta said. He stressed that the aid was never guaranteed and was primarily meant to serve US interests rather than African development.
Kenyatta’s remarks come as several African nations, including Kenya, feel the impact of reduced US funding in critical sectors such as healthcare and education. He urged leaders and citizens to focus on utilizing local resources effectively to drive sustainable growth.
“This should be a wake-up call for Africa. Instead of complaining, we must ask ourselves what we can do to help ourselves. No one will keep extending a hand forever,” he added.
While some praised Kenyatta for advocating self-sufficiency, critics questioned his leadership record, arguing that African governments, including his own, mismanaged past aid without fostering real economic independence.
The suspension of US aid is expected to have widespread economic consequences across the continent, particularly in heavily aid-dependent nations like Nigeria. Kenyatta’s comments highlight an ongoing debate about Africa’s reliance on foreign assistance versus the push for greater economic self-sufficiency.
