Ford Foundation expands in Kenya months after Gen Z protests dispute
Although the foundation has had a strained relationship with the Kenyan government in the past, its new Nairobi office is viewed as a reaffirmation of its ongoing commitment to the East African region.
The Ford Foundation has officially launched its new East Africa offices in Nairobi, following a tense dispute with the Kenyan government over the anti-Finance Bill protests in June 2024.
Korir Sing'Oei, the Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the opening in a social media statement, highlighting the foundation’s role as “a trusted development partner for governments across the East African region.”
"On behalf of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, I had the honor of inaugurating the Ford Foundation’s new East Africa offices today. I praised the Foundation for its dependable support to regional governments, civil society, and the media," Sing'Oei wrote in his post.
Established in 1936, the Ford Foundation is a non-profit organization headquartered in New York, renowned worldwide for its efforts to promote social justice.
As one of the largest philanthropic organizations globally, the Ford Foundation funds initiatives focused on human rights, education, sustainable development, and the promotion of democratic values.
Although the foundation has had a strained relationship with the Kenyan government in the past, its new Nairobi office is viewed as a reaffirmation of its ongoing commitment to the East African region.
In June 2024, President William Ruto publicly accused the Ford Foundation of funding the youth-driven Gen Z protests against the proposed 2024 Finance Bill.
In July 2024, President Ruto issued a warning that the foundation could face expulsion if it persisted with what he described as meddling in Kenya's internal matters.
He stated, "We are aware of those behind the violence, and I want to openly call out those fueling the chaos in Kenya. It’s shameful! I urge the Ford Foundation to clarify their motives and what they hope to achieve by undermining Kenya’s democratic stability."
In response, the Ford Foundation strongly rejected the accusations, reaffirming its commitment to upholding the constitutional right of Kenyans to peacefully protest.
It clarified that it neither financed nor played a role in organizing the demonstrations, emphasizing its ongoing mission to promote civic participation and foster inclusive development.
Following the President's remarks in 2024, the foundation suggested that it would maintain strong ties with Kenya by reaffirming its commitment to supporting the nation’s development and its leadership role both within Africa and on the global stage.