Kenyatta Urges African Leaders to Embrace Self-Reliance Amid Declining Foreign Aid

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Mombasa, Kenya| Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on African leaders to prioritize self-reliance and reduce dependence on foreign aid, warning that reliance on donor funding is unsustainable in the long run.

Speaking at the East Africa Region Global Health Security Summit at PrideInn Paradise Hotel in Shanzu, Mombasa, Kenyatta urged African governments to rethink their strategies and mobilize local resources to finance development programs and essential services.

The Urgency for Self-Sufficiency

Kenyatta emphasized that African nations must proactively address their challenges by leveraging their vast natural and human resources.

He pointed to the recent withdrawal of USAID funding by the U.S. government as a wake-up call for the continent, stressing that African leaders must act swiftly to secure financial independence.

“What are we going to do to help ourselves?” he posed, warning that no external entity would continue indefinitely providing financial support. “Nobody is going to continue holding out a hand to keep helping you.”

The former President highlighted mismanagement of resources as a key impediment to Africa’s progress.

He lamented that instead of channeling funds toward healthcare, education, and economic growth, many African governments have spent more resources on armed conflicts and internal strife.

“We have lost more people to bullets fired by Africans upon Africans than we have lost to coronavirus. And we have spent more to kill ourselves than we have spent on protecting our health and our society,” he remarked, underscoring the misallocation of funds.

Call for Accountability and Collaboration

Kenyatta stressed that self-sufficiency is not just about financial independence but also about proper governance, accountability, and strategic investments.

He urged African governments to prioritize development programs that benefit their citizens rather than relying on external assistance.

He further called for enhanced cooperation among African nations, arguing that unity and shared resources would accelerate sustainable development.

“By fostering unity and cooperation among nations, Africa can harness its potential and ensure that its wealth is directed toward sustainable development and the well-being of its people,” he asserted.

Strengthening Africa’s Health Security

At the summit, Kenya’s Health Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Deborah Barasa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening health security.

She outlined the country’s investment in modern healthcare infrastructure and regional collaborations, which have enhanced preparedness for health emergencies.

“We have invested in modern healthcare infrastructure to respond to emergencies and have committed to regional collaborations where we share knowledge and resources with neighboring countries,” Dr. Barasa stated.

She highlighted Kenya’s move toward digital healthcare, aiming for 100% digitalization of the health system to enhance efficiency.

Additionally, she discussed key topics, including biosecurity, bioterrorism, big data, and artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, noting that these innovations are critical in shaping the future of health security in Africa.

“This summit serves as a call to action on health security, urging partners to move beyond discussions and translate commitments into tangible actions for a healthier and more resilient region,” she added.

A Call to Action for Africa

Kenyatta’s remarks serve as a stark reminder that Africa’s future lies in self-reliance, responsible governance, and strategic investments.

As donor dependency becomes increasingly uncertain, leaders must act decisively to mobilize local resources, curb wastefulness, and foster regional cooperation.

With health security at the forefront of discussions, experts at the summit emphasized that Africa’s ability to develop robust healthcare systems, invest in digital transformation, and strengthen governance structures will be key in securing a prosperous and independent future for the continent.

Video credits: Youtube/NTV Kenya

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