Kenya faces a major employment crisis as over 35,000 workers under USAID-funded programmes brace for job losses following the agency’s impending shutdown.
The move, triggered by President Donald Trump’s decision to freeze foreign aid, will see USAID place all direct hire personnel on administrative leave globally from Friday with only a handful of essential staff retained.
“On Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:59 pm (EST) all USAID direct hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave globally, with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership and specially designated programs. Essential personnel expected to continue working will be informed by Agency leadership by Thursday, February 6, at 3:00pm (EST),” USAID announced in a statement.
The directive has thrown thousands of Kenyans into uncertainty, with development projects, healthcare initiatives, and humanitarian efforts now in jeopardy.
USAID, which funds various programmes in Kenya, has been a critical source of employment and support for vulnerable communities, and its potential shutdown threatens to derail ongoing efforts.
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Globally, the agency is coordinating the return of its personnel stationed outside the United States and terminating contracts deemed non-essential.
“For USAID personnel currently posted outside the United States, the Agency, in coordination with missions and the Department of State, is currently preparing a plan, in accordance with all applicable requirements and laws, under which the Agency would arrange and pay for return travel to the United States within 30 days and provide for the termination of PSC and ISC contracts that are not determined to be essential.”
The decision follows a sweeping overhaul at USAID, which has seen thousands of contractors laid off, key officials placed on leave, and employees locked out of email and internal systems.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently assumed the role of acting administrator, effectively bringing the agency under State Department control.
In Washington, USAID staff received individual notices informing them of indefinite administrative leave.
A notice from Acting Deputy Administrator Peter Marocco stated, “You will remain on administrative leave with pay until otherwise notified.” The letter further instructed employees, “During the period that you are on administrative leave you are not to enter USAID premises, access USAID systems, or attempt to use your position or authority with USAID in any way without my prior permission or prior permission of a supervisor in your chain of command.”
The uncertainty has sparked protests in Washington, DC, with demonstrators decrying the abrupt measures.
USAID’s headquarters, as well as its offices in Leesburg and Springfield, Virginia, have been shut for the rest of the week. Employees have been advised to telework, though many are unable to access deactivated systems.
Trump’s executive order, issued last month, triggered widespread confusion by pausing all foreign aid for 90 days, leading to abrupt layoffs and programme shutdowns.
USAID’s workforce includes over 10,000 direct hires and thousands more contractors, with about two-thirds serving overseas.
The American Foreign Service Association has condemned the move as an attempt to “dismantle” the agency.
As the deadline nears, thousands of Kenyans and millions worldwide remain in limbo, waiting for further instructions on their future and that of USAID-funded projects.
