The Ford Foundation has opened its new East Africa offices in Nairobi, signaling a renewed commitment to the region. The move comes after months of tension following accusations that the foundation funded Gen Z protests earlier in the year.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei, representing Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, officiated the opening of the offices on Monday, April 7th 2025, and praised the Ford Foundation for its role as a “reliable development partner” to governments, civil society and the media in the region.
This development follows a public dispute between the foundation and President William Ruto’s administration. In June 2024, Ruto accused the foundation of backing Gen Z protests against the government’s Finance Bill. The protests, which started as opposition to the bill, later expanded to include wider calls for the president’s resignation. The government had raised concerns over foreign interference in Kenya’s political affairs.
In response, the Ford Foundation denied these allegations, stating it did not fund or support the protests. It emphasized its commitment to supporting civic engagement and peaceful advocacy while maintaining a non-partisan approach to its grant-making.
The foundation has been operating in Kenya since 1963 and remains involved in various development initiatives in the region. Following a meeting between President Ruto and Ford Foundation President Darren Walker in September 2024, both sides appeared to signal a shift toward mending their relationship.
