Overview: The US pullout and its ripple effects
Kenya-based organisations have issued strong warnings about the possible consequences of the United States withdrawing from more than 60 United Nations bodies and other international organizations. They argue that the move could erode global cooperation at a time when cross-border action is crucial for addressing shared challenges—from public health and climate change to trade and security. While the specifics of which bodies are affected vary, the consensus among Kenyan think tanks and civil society groups is that the withdrawal would set back development gains and complicate regional and global governance.
Why Kenyan groups cite economic risks
Analysts in Nairobi emphasize that global institutions provide critical support to developing economies. From financing development projects to setting standards that unlock trade, the United States’ shift—whether intentional or as a broader strategy—could raise uncertainty for investors and slow economic progress. Kenyan policymakers rely on international financial rules, climate finance, and technical assistance that often originate in or are supported by multilateral bodies. A reduced US engagement could complicate Kenya’s access to concessional funding, research collaborations, and the transfer of technology essential for sectors like agriculture, energy, and manufacturing.
Trade, investment and market access
Trade policies and market access are frequently shaped through participation in international forums. Kenyan exporters benefit from bilateral and multilateral frameworks that aim to harmonize standards and reduce friction. With fewer U.S. commitments to global bodies, there is concern that Kenya could face slower reform processes, a tougher negotiating environment, and higher costs to maintain alignment with international norms. Stakeholders warn that even if the direct impact is modest in the near term, the long-run effect could be a dampening of investor confidence and a more challenging business climate for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Security, health and climate: shared challenges require shared governance
Beyond economics, Kenyan civil society leaders highlight the interdependence of security, health, and climate action. Multilateral organizations coordinate responses to pandemics, conflict prevention, disaster relief, and climate resilience. A U.S. disengagement from these platforms could slow data sharing, expert exchanges, and funding for regional peacebuilding and public health initiatives. In East Africa, where droughts, floods, and disease outbreaks test resilience, coordinated global leadership is widely viewed as indispensable. Kenyan advocates argue that national interests are better protected when powerful nations participate constructively in global governance rather than retreating from it.
Regional stability and development cooperation
Kenya hosts regional institutions and collaborates with East African Community partners to manage cross-border challenges. The withdrawal could complicate harmonization efforts in areas like border security, infrastructure development, and cross-border trade facilitation. Experts say that robust participation by the United States in international bodies often helps stabilize regional agendas and mobilize resources for development projects. A sustained pullback might shift burden to other partners, potentially slowing progress on shared goals and widening development gaps within the region.
What Kenyan groups want to see next
While acknowledging legitimate U.S. strategic considerations, Kenyan think tanks and civil society groups are urging policymakers to preserve channels of dialogue and ensure continued funding for global initiatives that support development and security. They advocate:
- Maintaining engagement with key UN agencies and international organizations on climate finance, health security, and humanitarian aid.
- Protecting concessional financing and technical assistance that support infrastructure, education, and disaster resilience.
- Strengthening regional partnerships to safeguard economic stability and security in East Africa.
- Transparency and clear communication about future U.S. role in multilateral fora to minimize market uncertainty.
Ultimately, Kenyan groups argue that global cooperation is not a luxury but a practical necessity for sustainable development. They call on policymakers to balance strategic priorities with the enduring benefits of working within a structured, rules-based international system that has long underpinned regional and national growth.
