Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi has issued a stark warning over the long-term global and local consequences of President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from 66 international organisations, arguing that the move could significantly worsen poverty levels, weaken multilateral institutions and deal a blow to Kenya’s economy.
Mwangangi, who is an expert in international relations, said the decision marks one of the most consequential shifts in U.S. foreign policy in decades and threatens to unravel years of progress made through global cooperation.
“This is not a symbolic decision. It is a fundamental retreat from multilateralism that will have very real and painful consequences, especially for developing countries,” Mwangangi said.
Among the organisations affected is UN-Habitat, the United Nations agency headquartered in Nairobi and the only UN body based in Africa. UN-Habitat plays a central role in urban planning, affordable housing, slum upgrading and poverty reduction programmes across Africa and the Global South.
Mwangangi noted that many of the 66 organisations targeted by the U.S. withdrawal are directly involved in poverty alleviation, humanitarian assistance, health, education and sustainable development.
“When the largest donor pulls out, the first casualties are programmes meant to uplift the poor. These institutions exist to address inequality, housing shortages, sanitation, health and food security. Cutting funding will inevitably push millions back into poverty,” he said.
The deputy governor warned that the immediate impact would be the scaling down or outright closure of critical operations, with devastating consequences for both beneficiaries and employees.
“Funding gaps mean offices close, projects stall and staff are sent home. Hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs linked directly or indirectly to these organisations are at risk,” Mwangangi said.
He explained that the effects would not be confined to international civil servants alone but would cascade across local economies that depend on the presence of global institutions.
“In Nairobi, international agencies support an entire economic ecosystem. From consultants, researchers and translators to hotel workers, drivers, caterers and small traders, many livelihoods depend on their operations,” he said.
Mwangangi warned that Kenya’s already strained labour market could face further pressure if major agencies reduce their footprint or relocate operations elsewhere.
Beyond jobs, he said the withdrawal would weaken America’s influence on the global stage, eroding decades of diplomatic leverage built through multilateral engagement.
“International organisations are instruments of soft power. They shape norms, policies and global priorities. By walking away, the United States is surrendering influence it took decades to build,” Mwangangi said.
He argued that the vacuum left by Washington would likely be filled by other global powers eager to expand their geopolitical reach.
“When the U.S. retreats, others step in. Countries like China and Russia are already positioning themselves as alternative development partners. This shift will alter global power dynamics in ways that may not favour democratic governance or transparency,” he warned.
Mwangangi also expressed concern about the diversion of resources previously committed to global development, noting that while funds may now be redirected to U.S. citizens, the broader global consequences could be destabilising.
“Yes, American taxpayers may see more resources spent at home, but global challenges do not stop at national borders. Poverty, migration, climate change and insecurity are interconnected. Ignoring them only postpones the crisis,” he said.
He cautioned that reduced international cooperation could fuel instability in vulnerable regions, eventually creating humanitarian and security challenges that affect even the most powerful nations.
The Machakos deputy governor further highlighted the potential blow to Kenya’s tourism and conferencing industry, which has benefited immensely from Nairobi’s status as a global diplomatic hub.
“Nairobi hosts hundreds of international meetings, summits and conferences every year largely because of the presence of UN agencies and international organisations. Reduced activity means fewer visitors, fewer conferences and reduced revenue,” Mwangangi said.
He warned that hotels, airlines, conference facilities and tour operators would feel the impact almost immediately.
“This is not theoretical. When conferences are cancelled or relocated, hotel occupancy drops, flights reduce and thousands of workers in hospitality and tourism feel the pain,” he said.
Mwangangi added that Kenya’s broader economy could also suffer from reduced foreign exchange inflows linked to international agencies and expatriate staff spending.
“These organisations bring in foreign currency through salaries, procurement and operations. Once that flow reduces, it affects the shilling, local businesses and government revenues,” he said.
While acknowledging that the decision reflects a broader “America First” policy approach, Mwangangi argued that the costs outweigh the benefits in the long run.
“Isolation may appear attractive politically, but it weakens the global system that has helped prevent extreme poverty and conflict since World War II,” he said.
He urged African governments, including Kenya, to treat the development as a wake-up call and rethink their dependence on traditional donors.
“This moment should push African countries to strengthen regional institutions, mobilise domestic resources and pursue innovative financing for development,” Mwangangi said.
However, he cautioned that such structural changes would take time and could not immediately replace the scale of U.S. funding.
“You cannot replace decades of donor support overnight. The transition will be painful, and unfortunately, the poorest will feel it first,” he said.
Mwangangi also called on global leaders to recommit to multilateralism, warning that unilateral actions by major powers threaten collective progress.
“The world’s biggest challenges require collective solutions. When powerful nations withdraw, the global system becomes weaker, more fragmented and more unequal,” he said.
He concluded by warning that history would judge the decision not by its short-term political gains, but by its long-term human cost.
“When support for global development is withdrawn, the consequences are measured in lost jobs, stalled projects and lives pushed deeper into poverty,” Mwangangi said.
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