The Ford Foundation has responded to Kenya’s formal complaint regarding its alleged involvement in the recent protests, denying any wrongdoing and emphasizing transparency in its activities.

The organization reiterated that its grant-making is publicly available on its website, including a database of fund allocations and highlights of its rich history in East Africa and globally.

“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,” said the Foundation.

The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Kenyans’ right to peacefully advocate for a just and equitable society, while condemning any actions or speech that promote hatred or violence against any institution, individual, or community.

“While we continue 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.”

It pledged to continue building on its 60-year legacy in the region to help Kenyans unlock opportunities that benefit them all.

Kenya’s complaint, lodged by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, listed 16 NGOs that allegedly received substantial funds from the Ford Foundation between April 2023 and May 2024, with a significant portion of $1.49 million (approximately Ksh 194 million) disbursed in the last month alone.

Sing’oei expressed concerns that these funds could be misused to aid nefarious ends.

Kenya’s complaint demanded that the Ford Foundation provide details of its grantees, approved programs, project budgets, disbursed amounts, and planned disbursements over the past year.

The government also requested reports from the grantees detailing their activities, costs, and beneficiaries. Additionally, Kenya sought information on the Foundation’s compliance with its Non-Lobbying Policy and any sanctions it plans to impose for breaches of local laws or internal policies.