USAID Trump Cuts Spark Flooding and WASH Failures in Kenya

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) faced significant cuts and program cancellations under the Trump administration, leading to severe consequences, particularly in unfinished infrastructure projects. This investigation highlights the impact of these decisions, focusing on a specific case in Kenya.

The Rationale Behind USAID Cuts

The Trump administration justified cuts to USAID by labeling the agency as "wasteful, inefficient, and politically misaligned with American interests." While some contracts were deemed "stupid and outrageous" or not serving national interests, former staffers reported a lack of a meaningful review process for the cancellations. The administration argued that foreign aid should primarily serve U.S. national interests, a long-standing diplomatic approach.

However, critics argue that these cuts, representing a mere 0.6% to 0.7% of the U.S. budget, are dangerous for both the United States and humanity, with predictions of millions, potentially tens of millions, of lives at risk.

Investigating the Impact of Abandoned Projects

An investigation was launched to track the on-the-ground consequences of abandoned infrastructure projects. This involved:

• Satellite imagery
• Mapping
• Data analysis
• Review of over 100 internal documents
• Examination of warnings from former USAID personnel about the risks of leaving incomplete projects.

A former USAID employee, who worked for the agency from 2012 to 2025, described the abrupt nature of the cancellations. Following the January 2025 inauguration, a review of all USAID projects was announced. Leadership teams created a dashboard to prioritize projects, willing to sacrifice those less aligned with perceived interests. Despite these preparations, all projects in her office, including critical Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives, were canceled.

The Kamlenza Irrigation Scheme in Kenya: A Case Study

The investigation focused on WASH projects, an often-overlooked but crucial area for delivering basic necessities and preventing waterborne diseases. The Kamlenza Irrigation Scheme in Kenya serves as a stark example.

USAID had been rebuilding this scheme to improve water access for farmers, aiming for more productive banana crops. However, when stop-work orders were issued, the project was left incomplete. A significant portion of the canal leading to the village had been dug up, and vegetation cleared, but the distribution points were not finalized.

The incomplete infrastructure led to uncontrolled flooding. Water, instead of being channeled, inundated surrounding fields. Farmers, who initially had great hope, now face severe problems. Crops cannot grow due to waterlogging, and the land remains wet. Kenyan farmers are pleading for the project's completion, which would have cost approximately $217,000 – a small sum within USAID's overall budget.

Widespread Abandonment and Financial Waste

Across Kenya, 26 WASH projects were ongoing when USAID ceased operations. Completing these projects would have cost an estimated $2 million. A key finding was that most projects were already in progress, not in the design or evaluation phase, when the stop-work orders came. This resulted in abandoned materials and partially completed infrastructure, leading to significant waste.

While the Trump administration aimed to save money and increase efficiency, the reality on the ground was the opposite. The financial loss from abandoned infrastructure and salaries paid for incomplete work is substantial, though difficult to quantify precisely due to a lack of proper tallying.

The Link Between Unfinished Infrastructure and Flooding

The investigation specifically examined whether the severe flooding in the village of Kimorigo was directly linked to the unfinished irrigation scheme. Satellite imagery and radar data confirmed significant standing water during the rainy season of 2026.

Analysis of rainfall data revealed that while 2026 did not experience unusually high rainfall, the severity of flooding in Kimorigo was exceptional. The western side of Kimorigo, adjacent to the irrigation scheme, was particularly affected, indicating a direct correlation between the incomplete project and the increased flood intensity. The system is now functioning worse than before.

Broader Consequences and "Soft Power"

The impacts of these abandoned projects are severe, including an explosion of diarrhea cases, particularly among children.

The notion that these cuts preserve U.S. "soft power" is challenged. While some argue that countries are content with a more transactional relationship, the investigation highlights the loss of U.S. credibility and the devastating impact on the lives of those the aid was intended to serve, as well as USAID employees.

The lack of access to water has far-reaching consequences on human health, neurological development, and children's education. While WASH spending might not always be categorized as "lifesaving," cutting these budgets has severe knock-on effects on livelihoods, ultimately leading to preventable deaths.

The situation in Kenya is not isolated. Records indicate that at least 80 other programs worldwide were canceled, projects that were intended to provide water to at least 11 million people.