Over 41,000 Kenyans lose jobs as Trump shuts down USAID
Over 41,000 Kenyans have lost their jobs after the United States decided to close the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Tuko News reports.
The US State Department sent a notice to all employees on March 28, indicating an end to all USAID’s services that are not required by law, according to a CBS report. Congress was also informed of the decision.
The memo said most USAID workers will lose their jobs on either July 1 or September 2, 2025.
The memo told affected staff, "Because your position is being abolished, you will be separated from the Foreign Service."
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said USAID had lost focus and become wasteful. He added that the US would still fund essential, lifesaving programs, including HIV treatment through PEPFAR.
The closure has greatly impacted Kenya, where over 41,000 health workers lost their jobs. Many of them cared for people with HIV and tuberculosis.
The layoffs have also left many Kenyans without proper healthcare.
Before the shutdown, USAID supported clinics in Kenya that provided HIV testing, treatment, and counselling. These services have now been moved to government hospitals, and the specialised clinics have closed.
The Washington Post reported that USAID staff were asked to leave their offices by 1 p.m. on the day of the announcement.
The US State Department said 5,200 of USAID’s global programs would be cancelled to save money. The remaining 17% of programs will be managed by the State Department.
Elon Musk, who was appointed by President Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), supported the decision. He accused USAID of misusing public funds, including on secret projects.
Two top USAID security officers were suspended after stopping DOGE members from entering restricted areas.
