December 2, 2024
Gov't Orders Ford Foundation To Account For ALL Beneficiaries Of Their Funds

Gov’t Orders Ford Foundation To Account For ALL Beneficiaries Of Their Funds

The government has increased its scrutiny of the Ford Foundation, accusing the global organization of funding protests that have destabilized the country in the last month.

The latest development in this high-stakes confrontation is a detailed request for information from the Ford Foundation about 16 of its grant recipients.

The government’s sharply worded letter, dated July 18, demands a detailed account of how these recipients used grants worth approximately Ksh194 million.

In a letter to Ford Foundation President Darren Walker, the Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Abraham Korir Singoei, requested clarity on the allocation of funds and the specific activities supported by the grants.

Singoei urged the foundation to “immediately clarify” its financial dealings by providing detailed information on its grantees for the previous year.

This includes a breakdown of approved programs, particularly those from the previous three months, as well as budgets for each project, amounts disbursed, and future disbursements.

Furthermore, the government requires detailed reports from these grantees outlining the activities carried out, associated costs, and beneficiaries involved.

Singoei also requested a report on the Ford Foundation’s compliance with its Non-Lobbying Policy, or a statement clarifying whether or not this policy applies to its activities in Kenya.

The government has also requested information about any sanctions that the foundation may impose for violations of its own policies or Kenyan laws.

Notable organisations in the spotlight include Africa Uncensored Limited, Kenya Human Rights Commission, and Mzalendo Trust.

The government’s list includes a variety of human rights organizations, media outlets, and civic organizations that have all played key roles in recent anti-government protests.

The government’s list includes 16 organisations under investigation. The list includes notable names such as Africa Uncensored Limited (Project Mulika), Women’s Link Worldwide, and the Centre for Resource Mobilisation and Development.

Transform Empowerment for Action Initiative, Kenya Human Rights Commission, Open Institute Trust, Africa Centre for Open Governance, and Transparency International are also on the target list.

Other organizations include The Institute for Social Accountability (TISA), National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders (K), Shining Hope for Communities Inc., Coalition for Grassroots Human Rights Defenders Kenya, Community Aid International, Mzalendo Trust, Usikimye (Femicide), and Citizens Advancement Initiative.

This move comes after President William Ruto’s fiery accusations that the Ford Foundation is funding violence and unrest in Kenya.

Ruto condemned the foundation in a recent public address, accusing it of inciting chaos through financial support.

“If they are going to sponsor violence in Kenya, we are going to call them out and we are going to tell them that they either style up or they leave,” Ruto declared.

The Ford Foundation has strongly denied these allegations, claiming that its grant-making activities are strictly nonpartisan.

Gov’t Orders Ford Foundation To Account For ALL Beneficiaries Of Their Funds

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