Ford Foundation Refutes Claims of Funding Unrest in Kenya

The Ford Foundation has firmly denied allegations of sponsoring 16 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to incite unrest in Kenya.

In a statement released on Friday, the Foundation emphasized its charitable mission in the country and underscored the transparency of its operations. The Foundation’s President Darren Walker has directed attention to their website which provides comprehensive information about their financial expenditures in Kenya. The Foundation reaffirms its commitment to supporting Kenyans’ right to peaceful advocacy for a just and equitable society while explicitly condemning any form of hate speech or incitement to violence.

This response came in the wake of a letter from Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei, demanding an accountability report from the Ford Foundation. The Kenyan government has accused the organization of disbursing approximately Sh752 million to various Kenyan organizations between April 2023 and May 2024. In his letter, PS Sing’Oei requested detailed information about the Foundation’s grantees in Kenya over the past year, including approved programs and recent budgets.

The government expressed concern over the substantial nature of these funds and questioned whether the Foundation had abandoned its non-lobbying policy, suggesting a potential intent to influence Kenya’s internal political processes. These allegations emerge against a backdrop of political tension in Kenya with ongoing protests that began in mid-June. Initially triggered by proposed tax increases, the demonstrations have evolved to address broader issues such as wage stagnation and corruption. President William Ruto has directly accused the Ford Foundation of sponsoring these anti-government protests which have resulted in significant unrest and loss of life.

The Ford Foundation has a long-standing presence in Kenya, supporting various initiatives in human rights, governance, and economic development for over 60 years. Despite the current controversy, the Foundation has expressed its intention to continue building on this legacy in Kenya and the broader East African region.