The Kenyan government has identified 16 NGOs linked to the recent protests that caused significant disruption in the country over the past month.
In a letter to Ford Foundation President Darren Walker, Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei expressed concern that some Ford Foundation-funded organizations were central to the anti-government demonstrations. Sing’oei highlighted that these groups had spent millions of shillings recently in ways that could not be accounted for.
Sing’oei pointed out that several grantees received a total of US$5.78 million (approximately KSh 752 million) between April 2023 and May 2024, including US$1.49 million (about KSh 194 million) in expedited funding just in the last month. He stressed that these funds are significant and must be used responsibly to prevent potential misuse for disruptive purposes.
While acknowledging the importance of open civic space and shared principles of open government, Sing’oei criticized some grantees for violating Kenyan laws, including prohibitions against incitement, hate speech, insurrection, and disinformation.
He also mentioned that the NGOs’ actions fundamentally breach the Ford Foundation’s Non-Lobbying Policy.
Kenya is now requesting that the Ford Foundation address four key issues concerning their grantees. These requests include: providing complete details on grantees over the past year, information on approved programs (especially in the last three months), project budgets, amounts already disbursed, and upcoming disbursements.
“Please provide reports from your grantees detailing the activities undertaken, their costs, and the beneficiaries,” Sing’oei requested regarding the second demand.
The PS also asked for a report on the Ford Foundation’s adherence to its Non-Lobbying Policy or an explanation if the policy is not applicable in Kenya.
Kenya is also requesting information on any sanctions the Ford Foundation will implement for legal or policy violations.
Kenya expressed regret that the recent protests caused loss of life and property damage, even though the government had initially conceded to the demands that sparked the protests.
“These protests initially aimed to oppose the government’s revenue-raising proposals outlined in the Finance Bill, which is designed to implement the national budget,” Sing’oei said.
“Even though the government made several concessions, the protesters’ demands have evolved and intensified into efforts to overthrow the democratically elected and constitutionally established government, all under the pretense of exercising the right to demonstrate and assemble.”
We cannot disclose the names of the NGOs at this time due to legal constraints.