A day after the government formally complained to the Ford Foundation about its supposed role in recent protests, the organization has responded. In a carefully worded statement that seems to refute any involvement, the Foundation highlighted its commitment to transparency.
According to the statement, all relevant information is publicly available and easily accessible on their website. This includes details about their grant-making process and a comprehensive database showing how funds are distributed, along with highlights from their extensive history in East Africa and globally.
The Foundation also affirmed its support for Kenyans’ right to peacefully advocate for justice and equity, while condemning any actions or rhetoric that promote violence. “We reject any form of hate speech or actions that incite violence against individuals, institutions, or communities,” the statement concludes.
The Foundation also pledged to uphold its 60-year legacy in the region, aiming to help Kenyans access opportunities that will benefit them.
On Friday, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei sent a letter to the organization, naming 16 NGOs allegedly involved in the protests and making specific demands. The letter, dated July 18, 2024, noted that these grantees received a total of $5.78 million (about KSh 752 million) from April 2023 to May 2024, including $1.49 million (approximately KSh 194 million) in expedited funding over the past month.
Sing’oei stressed the importance of ensuring that the substantial funds allocated to non-state recipients are used responsibly to prevent misuse for harmful purposes. The Kenyan government has asked the Foundation to provide detailed information on four key points: the complete list of grantees over the past year, details of approved programs (particularly in the last three months), project budgets, and the amounts disbursed and planned for future disbursements.
“Provide us with reports from your grantees detailing the activities they have conducted, the costs associated with these activities, and the beneficiaries,” Sing’oei requested regarding the second demand.
The Principal Secretary also asked the Ford Foundation to provide a report on its compliance with the Non-Lobbying Policy or confirm that this policy does not apply to its operations in Kenya.
Kenya further requested information on any sanctions the Foundation will enforce for breaches of legal or internal policies.
Kenya expressed sorrow over the recent protests, which resulted in loss of life and property damage, despite the government’s concessions addressing the initial grievances that triggered the protests.
“These protests initially aimed to contest the government’s revenue-raising measures outlined in the Finance Bill, an annual law that implements the national budget,” Sing’oei noted.
