US aid freeze a reminder that Kenya's destiny is in our hands

Many of us are awakening to the reality that we had long taken for granted: The United States aid to Africa. The recent move by the US administration under President Donald Trump to freeze what it deemed non-essential expenditure in Africa and other regions has triggered a wave of shock and disbelief. Thousands of people have suddenly found themselves jobless.

This stark development exposes an underlying fragility that our nations have grown too dependent on external financial support. While we may disagree with the decision’s timing or its human impact, we cannot deny that it is the prerogative of the US government to allocate its money as it deems fit.

Although it seems harsh and inhumane, this shift in US policy highlights an uncomfortable truth: The ultimate responsibility for the health, livelihoods, and well-being of the African population lies squarely within Africa itself. Aid, although helpful, has always been a supplementary measure. It is not and should never be the cornerstone upon which the crucial sectors of our economic and social stability rests.

African countries need to urgently re-calibrate their economic blueprints. While global engagement remains vital, it is imperative to adopt a “think local but tap global” approach that leverages our own strengths first. Our continent abounds with natural resources—minerals, fertile lands, and diverse ecosystems—that, if harnessed responsibly, can transform the lives of millions. Equally important is the vast pool of human capital: Innovative youth, seasoned professionals, and an entrepreneurial spirit that can spawn robust local industries.

One key starting point to reclaiming our economic sovereignty is the revival of cottage industries. Historically, these small-scale, locally owned enterprises formed the backbone of African economies. They fostered local innovation, generated employment, and contributed to community resilience. As global powers reassess their aid priorities, returning to modernised cottage industries could set us on a path toward self-reliance, offering goods and services that cater primarily to African markets before venturing internationally.

Moreover, no meaningful progress toward self-sufficiency can be sustained without confronting corruption. We have all heard this before, yet it bears repeating: Corruption systematically erodes the gains of any developmental effort. It undermines public trust, drains public coffers, and derails initiatives that could otherwise lift large swathes of our population out of poverty. Without stamping out this vice, it matters little how many resources we have or how skillfully we reorganise our economic frameworks.

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We have to say it again and again that corruption is a disgrace that Africa must combat. Kenya is a prime example where corrupt dealings have reached staggering levels, siphoning off resources that could otherwise finance vital social services and infrastructural developments. Imagine the ripple effect of channeling even a fraction of the lost funds into sectors that generate jobs. The 38,000 Kenyans who lost their livelihoods owing to the freeze in US aid could have been promptly employed if public resources were managed more honestly and transparently.

The total worth of resources lost to corruption across various African nations is mind-boggling. These stolen funds could drastically reduce unemployment and improve education, healthcare, and other social services. The task at hand is clear: We must streamline procedures, enforce the rule of law, and cultivate a culture in which those in positions of power prioritise public service over personal enrichment.

Looking forward, taxpayers and citizens, in general, are becoming more vocal and discerning about governance. As the public grows increasingly aware of its rights and the true cost of corruption, it will no longer tolerate leaders who abuse power for personal gain.

Today’s super-advanced financial technologies—blockchain, digital ledgers, and mobile-based auditing systems—are exposing illegal financial flows with greater accuracy. As we usher in a new generation of leaders namely the Alphas, Gen Z, and the Millennials, there is renewed determination to see looters brought to book. Through technology, the possibility of recuperating stolen assets increases, and the cost of engaging in corruption becomes exceedingly high.

The withdrawal or reduction of external aid is therefore a stark reminder that our destiny is, and must always be, in our own hands.

- Dr Mokua is the executive director of Loyola Centre for Media and Communication