Kenya is on the brink of an employment crisis as over 35,000 workers under USAID-funded programs prepare for job losses due to the agency’s impending shutdown.
The move follows President Donald Trump’s decision to freeze foreign aid, prompting USAID to place all direct-hire personnel on administrative leave globally starting Friday, with only a small fraction of essential staff retained.
USAID Announces Workforce Reduction
In an official statement, USAID confirmed that on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:59 pm (EST), all direct hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave worldwide, excluding those designated for mission-critical functions and leadership roles. Essential personnel will be notified by Thursday, February 6, at 3:00 pm (EST).
This directive has placed thousands of Kenyans in a state of uncertainty, as critical development projects, healthcare programs, and humanitarian efforts now face imminent disruption.
Impact on Kenya and Global Operations
USAID has long been a significant source of funding for Kenyan initiatives, supporting livelihoods and vulnerable communities. However, with this sudden freeze, critical programs in healthcare, agriculture, education, and infrastructure are at risk of being halted indefinitely.
Globally, USAID is also preparing to repatriate personnel posted outside the United States and terminate contracts not deemed essential.
A statement from the agency clarified:
“For USAID personnel currently posted outside the United States, the Agency, in coordination with missions and the Department of State, is currently preparing a plan, in accordance with all applicable requirements and laws, under which the Agency would arrange and pay for return travel to the United States within 30 days and provide for the termination of PSC and ISC contracts that are not determined to be essential.”
Leadership Shake-Up and Protests
This move follows a massive restructuring of USAID, which has already resulted in thousands of layoffs, top officials placed on leave, and restricted access to internal systems.
Newly appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who now acts as USAID’s administrator, has effectively placed the agency under the control of the State Department.
Meanwhile, in Washington, USAID employees received formal notices placing them on indefinite administrative leave. Acting Deputy Administrator Peter Marocco stated in a memo:
“You will remain on administrative leave with pay until otherwise notified.”
Employees were also informed that they would be restricted from entering USAID premises, accessing agency systems, or using their official positions without explicit prior approval.
The abrupt decision has triggered widespread protests in Washington, DC, with demonstrators condemning the administration’s handling of foreign aid. USAID offices in Leesburg and Springfield, Virginia, have also been shut down for the remainder of the week.
Trump’s Executive Order and Global Fallout
Trump’s executive order freezing all foreign aid for 90 days has sparked global confusion, leading to abrupt layoffs and program shutdowns across multiple countries. USAID, which employs over 10,000 direct hires and thousands of contractors worldwide, is among the hardest-hit agencies.
The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) has publicly denounced the decision, calling it an attempt to “dismantle” USAID and undermine international humanitarian efforts.
What’s Next?
As the February 7 deadline approaches, tens of thousands of Kenyan workers and millions of beneficiaries worldwide remain in limbo, waiting for clarity on the future of USAID-funded projects and their livelihoods.
