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‘It is time to embrace independence’ – Senator Olekina defends Trump’s decision to halt foreign aid

‘It is time to embrace independence’ – Senator Olekina defends Trump’s decision to halt foreign aid
Narok Senator Ledama Olekina. PHOTO/@ledamalekina/X

Narok County Senator Ledama Olekina has thrown his weight behind US President Donald Trump’s decision to halt foreign aid.

In his statement shared via his official X account on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, Olekina welcomed the decision saying it is time Kenya embraces independence, highlighting the importance of realigning existence resources to work for the country’s economy.

Olekina justified Trump’s decision saying he was committed to building the American economy. He added that Kenya should put an end to corruption.

“It’s time to embrace independence! Let’s realign our existing resources and work together to strengthen our economy. President Trump is committed to focusing on building the American economy! Stop corruption and have a sense of patriotism!” he wrote.

Narok senator Ledama Olekina during a past function. PHOTO/@Ledamalekina/X
Narok senator Ledama Olekina during a past function. PHOTO/@Ledamalekina/X

Reactions to Trump’s decision

Trump’s move to halt foreign aid has been met by conflicting opinions from a section of Kenyans and leaders from the political divide.

Thousands of employees of the. US funded projects and programmes are currently staring at an unemployment crisis following the orders set to last at least three months.

Trump ordered a three-month pause on almost all foreign aid pending a review to access what fits in with “America First” policy, shortly after he was sworn in on January 20, 2025.

In response to Trump’s decision, the government announced plans to restructure the national budget to fund programs affected.

Principal Secretary for the State Department of Medical Services Harry Kimtai confirmed the state’s decision noting that the move is a wake up call for Kenya to prioritize the healthcare sector during budgeting.

He also assured Kenyans that the government was taking count on measures to work on the situation.

“As a government we are taking stock of what we need to do because that calls for us to reallocate some of the funds to the programs that are very crucial and were being supported by the US government. 

“Our teams are already working on the impact of that order to our healthcare system and we will be able to come up with an assessment of how much we need to invest in our healthcare system in our supplementary and subsequent budget coming. It is a notice to us to start looking at our budget and funding this crucial sectors,” he said. 

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