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[QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 24438, member: 2262"]
Kenyan Senator Calls for Self-Reliance After US Aid Freeze.

Narok Senator Ledama Olekina urged Kenya to boost its independence following cuts in U.S. aid. He asked Kenyans to focus on local resources and economic growth.

"It's time to embrace independence. Let's realign our resources and work together to strengthen our economy," Olekina said Wednesday.

President Donald Trump halted U.S. foreign aid on January 20 through a Stop-Work Order. The 90-day pause affects programs awaiting review under his policies.

The freeze threatens HIV treatment services and jobs for 25,000 health workers. Over 20 million people worldwide receive support from PEPFAR and USAID programs.

Treasury Secretary John Mbadi pledged government funding to keep vital programs running. "We will slash part of the development budget to finance critical programs facing cash shortages," Mbadi told reporters in Naivasha.

"Health initiatives like HIV/AIDS programs need steady funding to save lives," he said. The government plans to shift toward domestic financing to maintain these services.

Mbadi noted Kenya's past reliance on U.S. aid for health and security programs. He said the funding cuts present challenges, but the government remains ready to respond.
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