Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on African nations to explore pathways towards self-reliance to curb dependence on donor funds to run government programmes.
Speaking at the East Africa Region Global Health Security Summit held at Pride Inn Paradise hotel, Shanzu, Uhuru emphasized the necessity for African leaders to rethink their strategies and secure funding through local sources.
The former President criticized the over reliance on foreign aid, urging leaders to address their challenges and effectively make use of Africa's abundant resources.
He stated that the recent withdrawal of USAID funding by the U.S. government should serve as a wake-up call for Africa, prompting a critical reflection on self-sufficiency.
“What are we going to do to help ourselves?” he asked, emphasizing that reliance on external assistance was unsustainable.
He pointed out that continued foreign support could not be taken for granted, noting that "nobody is going to continue holding out a hand to keep helping you."
The retired President further highlighted the fact that misuse of resources within African nations exacerbated their challenges, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and effective management of local resources to foster true development and independence.
“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,” Uhuru added to illustrate the misuse of resources by most African countries.
He added that collaboration is essential for ending conflicts and repurposing resources to areas where they could have the greatest impact on our population, noting that this objective must remain a critical agenda for the African continent.
Uhuru emphasized the importance of self-reliance, urging that Africans must confront and resolve their existing challenges to free up resources for those most in need.
“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 reiterated.
