Justina Wamae urges Kenya to rethink aid amid US funding cuts
By Kiprono Keileb, January 8, 2026Justina Wamae has called on Kenya to rethink its approach to economic development following the United States’ withdrawal from 66 international organisations, including 31 UN bodies, a move she says will shift funding dynamics across Africa. She warns that decades of relying on foreign aid must end, pushing Kenya to create its own wealth.
In a statement shared on X on Thursday, January 8, 2026, Wamae said US withdrawal from global bodies means they have cut their fundings bymore than 90 per cent to the African countries. Commenting on the US decision, Wamae highlighted the scale of financial changes impacting Africa.
“USA withdrawal from 66 International Organisations, including 31 UN bodies, means they have lost about 90% of their funding to Africa,” the statement reads.
She stressed the need for Kenya to embrace self-reliance and develop strategies that reduce dependence on foreign donations.
“This will force Africa, particularly Kenya, to start thinking of how to create wealth, having been beggars for decades,” she wrote
Wamae also reflected on her past proposals for national wealth creation, which she says were dismissed in favour of relying on loans and aid.
“My bhangi and snakes manifesto wasn’t a dream, but an eye opener on how to create wealth for the nation of Kenya, but you preferred ‘mkono wa bwana’ who relies more on loans, donation and over taxation,” the statement reads.
The statement comes amid growing debates in Kenya on sustainable economic policies, fiscal independence, and reducing over-reliance on external funding. Wamae’s comments underline the urgency of local solutions, entrepreneurship, and home-grown economic initiatives.
Wamae said that with the US scaling back its funding for Africa, Kenya will face new pressures to generate domestic revenue and invest in sectors that stimulate growth and employment.