Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei met with a delegation from the Ford Foundation on Thursday. The Kenyan government had previously accused the organization of funding anti-government protests. The Ford Foundation delegation was led by Martin Abregu, Vice President for International Programs, and Nishka Chandrasoma, Vice President and General Counsel.
The meeting was intended to address issues raised in a letter from Sing’oei to Ford Foundation President Darren Walker on July 18, 2024. Sing’oei emphasized Kenya’s commitment to fostering a robust civic space that enables citizen engagement in governance.
During the discussions, Sing’oei highlighted the importance for all Ford Foundation grant beneficiaries, whether in government or the non-state sector, to responsibly utilize donor funds. He stressed that these funds should advance the country’s constitutional values and developmental aspirations while safeguarding state security and stability.
In his letter, Sing’oei expressed concern that some organizations funded by the Ford Foundation were central to the anti-government protests.
He noted that these organizations had spent millions of shillings in the past month in an unexplainable manner. The letter stated that several grantees received a total of $5.78 million (approximately KSh 752 million) between April 2023 and May 2024, with $1.49 million (approximately KSh 194 million) expedited over the last month alone.
During the meeting, it was emphasized that grant beneficiaries must adhere to the values, operational guidelines, and administrative principles outlined in the Ford Foundation’s Cooperation Agreement with Kenya. Sing’oei stated that the Kenyan government expects the Ford Foundation to rigorously monitor all grant beneficiaries for compliance. Any significant deviation from the terms of the Cooperation Agreement or Kenyan law, particularly those that contradict national interests, must result in sanctions.
Sing’oei was accompanied at the meeting by Saitoti Maika, Director General of the Financial Reporting Centre; Lindon Otieno, Acting Executive Director of the Public Benefits Organisations Regulatory Authority; Ambassador Phillip Thigo, Special Envoy on Technology; and Ambassador Makena Muchiri, Deputy Director General of the Privileges and Immunities Directorate.
