Employees in several counties are facing job losses following the United States Agency for International Development-USAID’s decision to halt operations in Kenya.
The announcement follows the release of an Executive Order titled “Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid,” which has mandated immediate adjustments to the way US foreign aid is administered.
The two programs include the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and USAID Tujenge Jamii (UTJ).
A USAID memo sent to contractors and partners directed the immediate suspension of operations, as part of a broader freeze on U.S. aid and funding that took effect after Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
In response to the directive halting ongoing work on various initiatives, many workers at county hospitals have been sent home. These hospitals have issued work suspension memos to their employees, instructing them not to report to work until further notice.
Employees in Several Counties Lose Jobs After USAID Stops Funding 2 Programs
As of January 31, 2025, several county health facilities had suspended all UTJ-supported activities within the Department of Health, including Human Resources for Health (HRH) support, technical assistance, and all other programmatic functions.
Consequently, Nakuru, Samburu, Murang’a, Kisii and Kisumu Counties have directed that all affected staff cease work immediately, effective January 31, 2025.
Also Read: UoN Sends USAID Staff on Unpaid Leave After Trump’s Order
Workers handling various work equipment were advised to surrender them to the facility in charge for safekeeping during this period.
“Ensure the proper handover of all UTJ-funded assets, including medical and ICT equipment, passwords, and related resources, to facility in-charges and subcounty leadership, as documented in the asset registers,” read Nakuru County memo in part.
Murang’a County government said all PEPFAR programme contracted staff have been called to a meeting at the CPSB chambers to be appraised on the prevailing situation, including the implication period, and the post review actions depending on the position taken by the donor.
At the same time, Kisii County assured employees that they will receive their January salary as per the current arrangements.
However, the county government stated that any further payments and the resumption of work will be communicated later.
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: USAID Employees in Kenya Sent Home with No Salaries
County Health Workers to Handle Increased Patient Load
Similarly, Kisumu County directed all health facilities to integrate HIV services with routine healthcare services.
As a result, standalone HIV Comprehensive Care Centers (CCCs) at these levels will be phased out and HIV services will be provided within outpatient clinics by health facility staff.
Additionally, Sub-County Medical Officers of Health (MOH) and Sub-County HIV/AIDS Coordinators have been tasked with overseeing the integration process within their respective jurisdictions and reporting to the County HIV/AIDS Coordinator on a daily basis.
“Facility in-charges shall ensure that all healthcare workers within their jurisdictions provide HIV services as part of their routine duties,” the memo read.
Meanwhile, Samburu County sent workers home and directed the Sub-County Health Management Teams (SCHMTs) to take the necessary measures to ensure seamless operations at the affected Comprehensive Care Centers (CCCs) and other health facilities.
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