NAIROBI, Kenya (BG) — Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has criticized Africa’s reliance on foreign aid, responding to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent decision to freeze aid to several countries—a move that has alarmed leaders dependent on such assistance.

“We get tired of giving massive amounts of money to countries that hate us, don’t we?” Trump said in a speech during the House Republicans’ annual retreat in Florida last week, when he announced a 90-day freeze on almost all U.S. foreign aid amid a review.

Kenyatta reacted to Trump’s comments during an address at the East Africa Region Global Health Security Summit in Mombasa on Jan. 29, 2025, following growing concern among Africans about the halt in aid, on which many African countries depend—especially in health and development.

“Why are you crying?” Kenyatta asked during a public speech, highlighting what he perceives as a lack of self-reliance among African nations. “Isn’t it your government? Isn’t it your country? He has no reason to give you anything. I mean, you don’t pay taxes in America. He is appealing to his people.”

Kenyatta emphasized the need for Africa to look inward. “This is a wake-up call for Africa to ask what we can do to help ourselves instead of crying. We should ask ourselves what we are going to do to support ourselves,” he said, urging leaders to utilize the continent’s vast resources more effectively.

His comments reflect a broader dialogue about dependency and sovereignty in Africa, prompting a reassessment of how African countries manage their resources and development strategies.

Kenyatta’s stance suggests a pivotal moment for African nations to redefine their economic and political paths independently of Western aid.

His remarks stress the urgency for Africa to encourage self-sufficiency and resilience as the world moves toward recovery from various global challenges.