Pragmatic Social Action Calls for Soberness in Response to President Trump’s USAID Cuts

Nairobi, Kenya – Pragmatic Social Action, a grassroots organization championing community-led development in Kenya, has expressed concern over the recent cuts to USAID funding announced by the U.S. President Donald Trump. The organization is calling for soberness in assessing the impact of these cuts, warning that they could have devastating consequences on livelihood and health programs that millions of Kenyans rely on.

Threat to Livelihood Programs

USAID has long been a key player in supporting agricultural projects, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and vocational training initiatives across Kenya. These programs empower communities by enhancing food security, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating job opportunities, particularly for women and youth.

With the withdrawal of significant funding, many of these initiatives face an uncertain future. Farmers who depend on USAID-backed training and access to improved seeds and technology may struggle to sustain productivity. The result could be increased food insecurity and economic strain on rural families. Additionally, small businesses nurtured under USAID enterprise programs risk collapsing, exacerbating the unemployment crisis in Kenya.

Pragmatic Social Action urges the Kenyan government and other development partners to explore alternative funding mechanisms to sustain these programs. “We cannot afford to let millions of Kenyans lose their livelihoods due to policy decisions beyond their control,” said a spokesperson for the organization.

Health Programs Under Threat

The health sector is expected to suffer a severe blow from the USAID cuts. Kenya has made significant strides in combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and maternal and child health issues, largely due to donor-funded initiatives. USAID is one of the largest contributors to Kenya’s health programs, funding life-saving antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, vaccines, and health system strengthening efforts.

If funding is withdrawn or significantly reduced, thousands of Kenyans living with HIV may face drug shortages, increasing the risk of treatment interruptions and resistance. The country’s efforts to eliminate malaria through the provision of insecticide-treated nets, diagnostic kits, and medication could also stall, leading to an upsurge in preventable deaths.

Furthermore, maternal and child health services, which have benefited from USAID-backed reproductive health programs, will likely see disruptions. This could lead to an increase in maternal mortality rates and complications in childbirth, particularly in underserved rural areas.

The Call for Soberness and Sustainable Solutions

Pragmatic Social Action is calling for a sober, evidence-based assessment of the situation and for global stakeholders to step in and ensure Kenya’s progress is not reversed. The organization is urging the Kenyan government to prioritize domestic resource mobilization, including increased budgetary allocation to the health and agricultural sectors.

“It is imperative that we strengthen our local institutions and seek sustainable solutions to funding gaps. Over-reliance on donor aid makes us vulnerable to political shifts beyond our borders,” the spokesperson emphasized.

As the global development landscape continues to shift, Kenya must adopt strategies to insulate its most vulnerable citizens from abrupt changes in foreign policy. Pragmatic Social Action remains committed to advocating for community-centered solutions and ensuring that Kenyan livelihoods and health services remain resilient in the face of funding uncertainties.