This is a move that evidences the foundation’s commitment to transparency in terms of issuing grants to various beneficiaries.
The American non-governmental organisation, Ford Foundation, has responded to a letter from the Kenyan government seeking clarity on Ksh746.89 million ($5.78 million) worth of grants.
In a statement published on its official website on Friday, July 19, the foundation advised President William Ruto’s government to refer to its website which contains the database showing where the grant funds go to.
This is a move that evidences the foundation’s commitment to transparency in terms of issuing grants to various beneficiaries.
“We are in receipt of a letter from the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs addressed to the Ford Foundation dated 18 July 2024.
“As a charitable foundation with a global presence, our grantmaking is transparent and readily available on our website, www.fordfoundation.org. This includes a database showing where our funds go, as well as highlights from our rich history in East Africa and around the world,” read the statement in part.
The Foundation reiterated that while it continues to acknowledge the right of Kenyans to peacefully advocate for a just and equitable country, “we repudiate any actions or speech that are hateful or advocate violence against any institution, individual, or community.”
“We remain ever committed to building on the legacy of the Ford Foundation’s more than 60 years in the region so that Kenyans can unlock opportunities that extend to all,” the foundation added.
The statement comes hours after the government of Kenya stepped up the scrutiny on the foundation by writing to the US-based foundation requesting more details on 16 of its grant recipients.
This is on the back of President Ruto’s fiery allegations that the foundation was sponsoring violence and unrest in Kenya. During a recent public address, Ruto condemned the foundation, accusing it of fuelling chaos through its financial support, saying “If they are going to sponsor violence in Kenya,” Ruto declared, “we are going to call them out and we are going to tell them that they either style up or they leave.”
More to follow…