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Trump decision to end aid a wake-up call

Trump decision to end aid a wake-up call
US President Donald Trump. PHOTO/@realDonaldTrump/X

Many African countries, Kenya included, were caught flat-footed after US President Donald Trump ordered an unprecedented freeze on almost all foreign assistance programmes on health, refugees and climate action.

Many of the US-assisted programmes are facing a shutdown and staff layoffs. Relief agencies have pointed out that Trump’s move could expose vulnerable groups such as refugees and the gravely ill, especially HIV patients heavily dependent on American support.

In making his decision, Trump argued that billions of dollars doled out to other countries and misused by the recipients could be better used at home.

Of course, there is no fault in the argument that any country’s resources should be deployed to serve its citizens and protect the national interest. Also, it cannot be gainsaid that millions of lives globally have benefited from the generosity, leadership and bigheartedness of the Americans.

But the reciprocal effect has been the entrenchment of a culture of dependency, ineptitude and neglect of national obligations by the recipient countries. There is a strong feeling many recipients have abused the generosity of the Americans.

Many African leaders, often displaying ravish lifestyles amid the poverty of their people, fly to US and European capitals unashamedly carrying begging bowls with resources obtained swiftly embezzled once they land at home.

Any demands for accountability are often met with unreason and nationalistic appeals for the sovereignty of African countries.

In Kenya, the Health ministry has activated a campaign with the message that HIV patients who have been benefiting from US-supported health programmes will not be affected by Trump’s plans to withdraw American commitments with the World Health Organisation.

Kenyans have witnessed similar window-dressing stunts in the past that end up leading to the suffering, especially among low-income families. The enduring question is: why should a country that has overburdened its people with taxes be unable to provide essential services?

The answer is corruption and avarice among political leaders. The Kenyan government shoulders the primary duty of providing affordable and accessible healthcare services to citizens as enshrined in the Constitution. Trump’s decision to withdrawal aid should be a lesson on the culture of dependence.

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