US aid cut to worsen situation for over 600,000 Kenyans affected by drought, says Mercy Corps

Humanitarian organisation Mercy Corps has expressed concern over the US government's decision to terminate nearly 10,000 foreign assistance grants and contracts, including 41 critical programmes it manages, affecting over 600,000 vulnerable people in Kenya.

The move will leave many Kenyans, particularly those in drought-affected areas facing acute malnutrition, without access to life-saving food and nutrition support.

According to Mercy Corps, the abrupt termination of these programmes, which were providing emergency food, water, shelter and nutrition services will severely impact the lives of millions globally.

In Kenya, where over 600,000 individuals were relying on the support, the effects will be devastating, with those most vulnerable now facing a deepening crisis.

"The US government's decision to end thousands of aid programmes will have devastating consequences for people in urgent need of food, clean water and shelter in Kenya. These programmes not only saved lives but also helped communities rebuild and recover from crises, reducing long-term dependence on aid," said Mercy Corps CEO Tjada D'Oyen McKenna.

The terminated programmes in Kenya included essential food and nutrition support for communities suffering from drought and malnutrition.

Mercy corps had been working with local partners to provide emergency food assistance and access to critical health services in some of the hardest-hit regions of the country.

Malnutrition

Kenya has been grappling with the combined effects of severe drought and persistent food insecurity, leaving millions of people, especially children, at risk of malnutrition.

The termination of these programmes exacerbates an already dire situation.

Mercy Corps reports that the affected vulnerable populations will now face increased risks of starvation and preventable diseases, which could further destabilise the region.

In addition to emergency food assistance, the US aid cuts also jeopardise access to clean water, sanitation services and critical nutrition support that have been lifelines for communities facing severe food insecurity.

These programmes are particularly vital in rural and remote areas, where residents have limited access to healthcare and basic services.

The decision has drawn calls from international humanitarian organisations for the US government to reconsider its stance and restore the essential programmes.

"The sudden end of these programmes will destabilise communities, erode trust and set back development efforts for years," Mckenna said.

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Mercy Corps is urging the US government to urgently revisit these cuts and resume life-saving foreign assistance, particularly for regions like Kenya which are facing complex humanitarian crises.

The impact of these decisions will be felt not only in Kenya but across various countries, exacerbating suffering for millions of people already living in fragile conditions.

The situation highlights the critical role of international aid in addressing the ongoing humanitarian challenges faced by vulnerable communities in Kenya and other regions affected by conflict, malnutrition and climate change.