It also issued a reminder regarding its support for the growth of the educational sector and the work of the Kenyan government and its diverse civil society.
The Ford Foundation, an American private foundation with the stated goal of advancing human welfare, has denied ‘sponsoring’ violence during the recent anti-government protests, as alleged by President William Ruto.
In a statement shared online late on Monday night, July 15, the organisation reiterated that since 1963, it has had a rich history of commitment to ensuring the independence of East Africa’s democratic institutions, which includes its support for civil servants and technical experts who helped establish an independent Kenya.
It also issued a reminder regarding its support for the growth of the educational sector and the work of the Kenyan government and its diverse civil society.
The foundation went on to remind President Ruto that it had offered its support for the Africa Climate Summit in 2023, which he hosted in Nairobi and which brought together world leaders.
The Ford Foundation Center in New York City. /FORD CENTER
“We retain an ongoing commitment to supporting work in support of Kenya’s development and Kenya’s leadership on an African and global stage, exemplified by our support for the inaugural African Climate Summit held in 2023 in Nairobi and Kenya’s current leadership as co-chair of the Open Government Partnership,” read the statement in part.
The United States (US)-based foundation further condemned any actions or speech that have the potential to spread hate or incite violence against any sector ranging from individual to community.
“While we 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 do not fund or sponsor the recent protests against the finance bill and have a strictly non-partisan policy for all of our grantmaking,” it asserted.
In another reminder, the Ford Foundation also reminded the Kenyan President that “As we noted during the Kenyan state visit to the United States this past May, we are 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 Ford Foundation makes grants through its headquarters and 10 international field offices. It has had operations in Kenya and the larger East Africa region for decades, with its Nairobi office opened in 1963.
As of now, it has grown to become one of the world’s top philanthropic organisations with operations in 11 regions across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and North America.
Prominently known for its grants, the Ford Foundation credits itself with having helped establish the University of Nairobi in 1963 and giving significant grants to universities in Eastern Africa “to invest in the region’s future.”
It has also been at the forefront of advocating for civic justice to protect social justice activists, artists, and marginalised groups.
President Ruto’s remarks sensationally claiming that the organisation held sinister motives and was operating against the best interests and the democracy of the country rattled both national and international circles given the established status of the foundation in the global space.
“I want to ask the people at the Ford Foundation what benefit do they gain from giving out money to cause violence?” Ruto questioned on Monday while addressing residents at Keringet Market in Nakuru County.
A protester navigates teargas in Nairobi CBD. /AL JAZEERA
“We are going to call them out and we are going to tell them if they are not interested in democracy in Kenya. if they are going to sponsor violence and anarchy, we are going to tell them they either style up or they leave.”
It is worth noting that the foundation in March this year announced two Kenyans among its international 26-member 2024 Ford Global Fellowship cohort, Ashura Michael and Willie Oeba.