‘Trump Has No Reason To Give You Anything, You Don’t Pay Taxes In The US’ Uhuru Urges Africa Leaders To Stop Complaining and Take Responsibility On Aid Freeze

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on African leaders to stop complaining and take responsibility for their nations’ development following the suspension of foreign aid by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Speaking at the inaugural East Africa Region Global Health Security Summit in Mombasa on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, Uhuru emphasized the need for self-reliance and prudent use of resources.

“I saw some people the other day crying that Trump has removed funding. It is not your government, it’s not your country. He has no reason to give you anything. You don’t pay taxes in America. He is appealing to his people. This is a wake-up call for you to say, ‘Okay, what are we going to do for ourselves?’” Uhuru stated.

The former president criticized African leaders for misallocating resources, particularly on unnecessary conflicts and wars. “Nobody is going to continue holding a hand out there to give you (money). It is time for us to use our resources for the right things. We are the ones using them for the wrong things. The bullets and the guns we buy are not given for free. We buy them. And we are not buying them to go and fight wars off our shores. We are fighting our own people. Brother killing sister, sister killing brother over stupid things,” he added.

Trump’s Foreign Aid Freeze Sparks Global Concerns

President Trump’s executive order, issued shortly after his inauguration, imposed a 90-day freeze on nearly all foreign development assistance. The move is part of his “America First” policy, which aims to realign U.S. foreign aid priorities. In the 2023 fiscal year, the U.S. allocated nearly $70 billion in development aid, primarily through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

The freeze has left thousands of employees in low and middle-income countries, including Kenya, without salaries and facing uncertain futures. Local employees in Kenya have already been sent home, while in the U.S., at least 56 senior USAID officials were placed on leave, and hundreds of contractors were laid off as of January 27.

The suspension has disrupted critical humanitarian, development, and security programs worldwide, with organizations struggling to cover operational costs such as rent and utilities. Layoff notices are expected to be issued by February 2025, further exacerbating the crisis.

Internal Tensions at USAID

Jason Gray, USAID’s acting administrator, revealed in an internal memo that attempts were made within the agency to bypass Trump’s directive, highlighting internal tensions over the policy. The freeze has sparked widespread concerns about the fate of vital aid programs and the livelihoods of thousands of affected workers globally.

A Call for Self-Reliance

Uhuru’s remarks come at a critical time as African nations grapple with the implications of reduced foreign aid. His call for self-reliance and responsible governance resonates with many who believe that African leaders must prioritize sustainable development and peace-building over wasteful expenditures.

As the 90-day review period progresses, the global community watches closely to see how the U.S. will realign its foreign aid priorities and what steps African nations will take to address the funding gap. For now, Uhuru’s message is clear: it’s time for Africa to stop relying on handouts and start investing in its own future.