Protests as Trump’s Order Leaves 500 Workers in Limbo Over Unpaid Salaries

Since US President Donald Trump froze funding for USAID that was channeled to different organizations worldwide, several institutions, especially in Africa, have been forced to halt their services, affecting employees. The Redeemed Integrated Development Agency (RIDA), an institution for championing World Vision projects, is an example of an institution that has suffered this effect.

More than 500 employees of RIDA held demonstrations on Friday, stating that they have not been paid their December 2024 and January 2025 salaries. 

RIDA employees residing in Baba Dogo, Nairobi, have accused the management of giving them false promises whenever they demand their payments.

RIDA Employees Protest Over Unpaid Salaries

One of the workers who spoke to the media said the management convened a meeting after Trump froze aid for USAID and promised that they would be paid despite the ban.

“We received news that Trump is halting our project. We were called for a meeting and were promised we would be paid,” Mary Adhiambo, one of the workers said.

Another worker named Linus Agweli revealed that they were supposed to be paid their dues for January as per Trump’s order.

Also Read: Trump Bans Flights to Haiti as Kenyan Police Get Overwhelmed by Gangs

Mary Adhiambo, also a worker at RIDA lamented, “I’m a single mother and that money will help me pay school fees.”

In response, RIDA’s management has clarified that it has not been withholding its employees’ dues.

The management says that its actions are in line with World Vision’s directives.

According to RIDA Board Chairman, Rev. Gideon Nzioki, processing of transactions remains on hold until further notice hence the delay.

Trump Freezes US Aid to Other Countries

The RIDA Board Chairman referred to a World Vision memo dated January 27, 2025, which mandated the immediate suspension of all project activities within the institution.

As per the directive, only costs incurred up to January 24 would be covered. However, the workers claim they continued working until the end of January without receiving payment.

Also Read: Trump Terminates USAID Grants and Contracts in Kenya and Other Countries

On January 20, 2025 ,President Donald Trump signed the executive order to suspend all U.S. foreign aid on. This order initiated a 90-day pause on foreign assistance programs to review their alignment with U.S. foreign policy.

This decision has led to significant disruptions including mass layoffs.

Numerous organizations dependent on U.S. funding for humanitarian and development efforts are facing challenges in maintaining operations  since the suspension of the US aid.

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